On December 5, 2023, the official launch of the ISSUP Panama National Chapter took place at the headquarters of the National Commission for the Study and Prevention of Drugs (CONAPRED) in Panama.
This event was attended by Ms. Jissel Maití, Executive Secretary of CONAPRED, Mr. Ruben Farje, OAS representative in Panama, Andrea Escobar from the CICAD/OAS Drug Demand Reduction Unit, representatives of the Board of Directors of the Panamanian chapter headed by Calixta de Balmaceda representing Cruz Blanca Panameña and Bárbara Correa, Regional Coordinator of National Chapters of ISSUP in Latin America and Spain.
The opening ceremony began with the words of Calixta de Balmaceda, Director of the ISSUP National Chapter in Panama. Her speech highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the prevention of substance use and the relevance of the chapter in the Panamanian context.
Subsequently, Bárbara Correa, Regional Coordinator of ISSUP Chapters, shared her perspective on the fundamental role that these chapters play in building networks of professionals committed to the prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support.
The event also featured the intervention of Mr. Ruben Farje, OAS representative in Panama, who highlighted the importance of international collaboration and joint efforts between OEA/CICAD and ISSUP to address challenges related to substance use in the region.
To conclude the opening ceremony, Lic. Jissel Maití, Executive Secretary of CONAPRED, shared her vision and perspectives on the specific challenges that Panama faces in drug demand reduction.
The event continued with a panel titled "Challenges and Challenges of Substance Use Prevention in Panama", which featured the participation of prominent panelists, including Ms. Shesnarda Herrera from CONAPRED and Ms. Luis Ávila from Cruz Blanca Panameña. This panel provided a space to address critical issues and effective strategies for drug demand reduction in the Panamanian context.
The launch of the ISSUP National Chapter in Panama not only marked the beginning of a new stage in the country, but also fostered collaboration and exchange of knowledge between professionals dedicated to this important cause. This event undoubtedly laid the foundation for future coordinated actions in prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support from substance use disorders in Panama and Latin America.
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