Why Medically Assisted Therapy in Uganda
Uganda has seen increasing numbers of People who Use Drugs (PWUD) with recent estimates at approximately 45,000 (UHRN programs data, 2019). As a result of increase in drug use and risks associated with use of drugs, interventions to reduce the harms associated with injection drug use and drug related sexual risk are just beginning to be developed and implemented in Uganda.
The UNAIDS fast-track plan calls for rapid acceleration of HIV treatment and prevention services by high HIV burdened countries such as Uganda and this is to be achieved through roll out of comprehensive HIV combination prevention services that include Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) for people who inject drugs and leaving no one behind.
Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN) continues to advocate for a responsive treatment which encompasses the 9 essential harm reduction interventions including Medically Assisted Therapy for people grappling with opioid dependence. UHRN is also advocating for inclusion of harm reduction interventions in the National polices and guidelines.
MAT LAUNCHED IN UGANDA
PWIDs are medically managed to get off the dangerous drugs & risky behaviors. The Government of Uganda has acknowledged the existence of injecting drug use and this has led to the inclusion of MAT (Methadone, Buprenorphine and naloxone) to the Uganda’s 2016 Essential Medical Supplies list.
We are pleased that 14th September 2020 marked the day Uganda opened up its doors and started offering Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) to people who inject with drugs (PWIDS) at Butabika National Referral Hospital.
With the introduction of Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) program in Kampala as the pilot district is now seen as a beacon of hope to the communities that have suffered over the years. Currently we (UHRN) have screened 150 clients for MAT and 81 clients have been successfully enrolled on treatment.as of December 2020.
We are now confident that MAT will change our lives and those of our peers
UHRN Peer Educator
Under the Medically Assisted Therapy program, UHRN is responsible for;
- Creating demand at the community level
- Mobilize clients for MAT
- Provide patient education
- Patient screening and initial preparation
- Referral and linkage of eligible MAT clients
- Psychosocial support
We hope that with the introduction and set up a Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) center to provide drug treatment services for Persons Who Inject with drugs (PWIDs), it will reduce criminality and petty crimes in geographies where MAT will be implemented, provide an avenue for diversion of petty offenders from the criminal justice system and reduce the cost of incarceration since it is a cheaper option for rehabilitation.
MAT clients are reformed people or in the process of reforming and need support in their journey to RECOVERY, they do not need to be arrested for taking drugs rather should be referred and supported to access MAT treatment
Wamala Twaibu – Executive Director UHRN
IN THIS JOURNEY, MAT BEING A NEW INTERVENTION IN THE COUNTRY, WE NEED:
- A high level of engagement of law enforcers and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for PWID service delivery. These have a big role in violence prevention and response services which are key to increasing access to MAT services and they should use a humane approach while dealing with MAT clients
- Based on the principle of ‘nothing for us without us – the drug user’s involvement at all HIV/drug use programs is essential. Meaningful and effective participation of drug users be promoted & ensured at all levels since they are best able to know what approaches and interventions will work in their own community
In conclusion, we call upon every duty bearer and development partner to augment the existing efforts by starting, maintaining and increasing specific interventions that will effectively prevent HIV transmission among PWIDs and assist in the treatment, care and support of PWIDs living with HIV/AIDS.
Special thanks to the Ministry of Health in Uganda for their active participation and support throughout this process. We appreciate the Medically Assisted Therapy taskforce members who include: MAUL, CDC, IDI, UNAIDS, Butabika Referral Hospital and Uganda Police
