21 March 2005
BELFAST HOSTS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DRUG-RELATED HARM REDUCTION
A four-day International Conference on the Reduction of Drug-Related Harm is being held in Belfast's Waterfront Hall, today.
Around 1000 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the Widening the Agenda' conference, which is being organised by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS). This is the first time the conference, which is in its 16th year, is being held in Belfast.
Speaking at the conference, DHSSPS Minister, Angela Smith said: "This conference is about harm reduction in relation to drug use, and we cannot deny the real harm that drug use does within all societies. The monetary costs of drug use can easily be calculated, but the costs to individuals, families and communities in terms of health, employment, housing, distress and displacement are often incalculable.
"Within Northern Ireland we have a broad consensus and public support for the harm reduction measures currently in place. Indeed, the current harm reduction activities here are part of a comprehensive Joint Implementation Model that, since 2001, has brought together the aims and outcomes of the Drugs and Alcohol strategies. The success of the strategies has come about through matching a broad regional vision with local needs and achieving close co-operation between government and, in particular, the voluntary and community sector.
"Harm Reduction is an international issue and the support and active participation of major worldwide organisations such as the World Health Organisation and UNAIDS is greatly welcomed. It is clear that different countries will approach the issue of harm reduction differently and learning from their experiences will benefit greatly all those involved in dealing with this issue."
The Conference will focus on good practice and discuss issues of worldwide interest, but will also look at issues of special interest to those working in Northern Ireland. For this reason there are a number of sessions looking at the particular issue of reducing alcohol-related harm.
Speakers will be in attendance from all over the world including Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, China, India, Africa and South America, as well as a number of speakers from Ireland - North and South.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. For further information on the conference log on to www.ihrcbelfast.com
2. The conference will run from 20 to 24 March 2005, and its theme will be 'Widening the Agenda'.
Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571
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