SOUTH AFRICA ALIGNS SUD TREATMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

By Morapedi Sibeko 

• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) poses a significant challenge in South Africa, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Addressing this complex issue requires a coordinated approach involving diverse stakeholders and alignment with global best practices.
• A recent three-day workshop organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Johannesburg emphasised the importance of international collaboration and adherence to guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNODC.
• The Department of Social Development (DSD) plays a pivotal role in integrating these standards into South Africa’s national strategies, ensuring that treatment protocols are consistent, evidence-based, and focused on improving public health and individual well-being.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities in South Africa. Successfully tackling this challenge requires a collaborative approach involving a wide range of stakeholders. A three-day workshop organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which concluded today in Johannesburg, highlighted the critical need for such multi-stakeholder collaboration. The event underscored the importance of aligning South Africa’s efforts to combat SUD with international criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNODC. This collaborative approach not only fosters progress in the fight against SUD but also ensures that the country’s treatment procedures are informed by the latest international research and best practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for individuals affected by SUD.

The WHO and UNODC are recognised as key authorities in establishing international guidelines for the treatment of SUD. WHO provides comprehensive guidelines centred on evidence-based practices and integrated care, while UNODC offers additional frameworks for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, emphasising human rights and public health. Recognising the importance of these global standards, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has incorporated WHO and UNODC guidelines into the “Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Policy” and other treatment frameworks. This includes implementing techniques such as Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and using tools like the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), developed with support from WHO and UNODC. These measures ensure that South Africa’s approach to SUD is effective and aligned with international best practices that prioritise both public health and individual well-being.

Faith Namathe, Social Work Policy Manager at DSD, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the ASSIST tool, which assesses lifetime use risks as well as recent substance use within the past three months. The tool provides a detailed inventory of substances, including alcohol and tobacco, and offers a risk assessment level for each. Using this tool, feedback is given that discusses the hazards and negative effects associated with each substance, including the impact of regular use on the body, health, and mind.

The incorporation of WHO and UNODC recommendations by the DSD has significantly benefited South Africa. The adoption of these international standards has facilitated the nationwide standardisation of treatment protocols, ensuring that all individuals receive high-quality care regardless of their socioeconomic status or location. This standardisation is crucial in a country with a diverse population and unequal access to healthcare services. Furthermore, the DSD has trained both government and non-government organisations on the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC), enhancing the capacity of service providers across the nation. The ultimate aim is to support individuals in fully recovering from SUD so they can contribute positively to society and reverse the damaging effects of substance use on their lives.

Through these efforts, South Africa is aligning itself with global best practices, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of those affected by SUD through standardised, high-quality treatment and care.