CAMBODIA - A CHALLENGE FOR DRUG-ABUSE PREVENTION

A study of drug abuse runs carried out in Cambodia in September-Octobe r 1995. This study determined that illicit drug abuse is not, at prese nt, a major problem in Cambodia. However, although there are not many known addicts, there is clear evidence of an increase in illicit drug use and of widespread drug trafficking. Anti-drug police forces are un trained and under-funded. Cambodia has no procedures to monitor change s in the situation as they occur. The continuing political uncertainti es, the prevailing socio-economic conditions, the increase in drug tra fficking and easy availability of narcotic and other psychoactive drug s may presage a major problem in the near future. Self medication and indiscriminate use of injectable medicinal drugs without proper steril ization procedures also poses a risk for HIV infection. Cambodia has i nsufficient financial, technical and human resources to deal with drug problems should they emerge, and a waivering committment to dealing w ith widespread money laundering and drug trafficking. The paper recomm ends a course of action deemed feasible in the Cambodian situation. Su ggestions are made for the development of 'early warning mechanisms' w hich will identify focal points for assembling and disseminating infor mation on drug use to enable future action. It is suggested that such mechanism be developed within existing organizations, especially Non-G overnmental Organizations. Basic training about drug abuse and HIV sho uld be provided within the framework of broader ongoing training progr ammes.