Background
At an impromptu meeting at the International Harm Reduction
conference in April 2009 a group of doctors met to discuss the need
for an International Doctors Harm Reduction Network. We discussed
what the role of the network could be and arrived at a consensus
that there was a need for the network to share good practice, help
bridge the divide between practice and policy and work to increase
understanding in the field of harm reduction and how it was
compatible with the medical model. We agreed to keep in touch and
seek funding to develop a global network of doctors who share our
aims and become a voice for healthy drug policies. On applying for
funding the name of the network was changed to International
Doctors for Healthy Drug Policies (IDHDP) to reflect our broader
aims of enhancing the role of doctors in advocating for drug
policies based on science and compassion.
Role of IDHDP
IDHDP brings together medical doctors from all over the world to
share experiences, expertise and good practice in reducing harms
caused both by drug use and by the existence of poor drug policies.
We provide the voice of medical experts in advocating for healthy
drug policies.
Aims of IDHDP
- Sharing good practice and guidelines amongst ourselves
- Asking and offering advice
- Changing practice and informing/"educating" our fellow doctors
about harm reduction and its importance
- Explaining to the field that medical model is/should be harm
reduction and not split off (or seen as the enemy as it sometimes
is)
- Informing policy makers and influencing policy
Objective of IDHDP
We endeavor to have a real impact on the policies that affect
the way drug users are treated in our society. To that end, we are
developing a well organised global network of medical doctors to
become more involved in advocating for healthy drug policies.
Additionally, we work with other harm reduction, health, and drug
policy reform networks in helping to bridge the gap between
practice and policy.