Jennifer Alejandro, MD, is Chief of the Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Pateros City, a project site of URC’s USAID RenewHealth – Expanding Access to Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Project in the Philippines.
The government’s anti-drug initiatives created pressure for people to “surrender” for treatment. The volume of clients and the lack of accredited doctors is a challenge for Doc Jen but it is a challenge she has embraced. “I believe that changing behaviors of PWUDs and their family members is key in increasing access to CBDR services. Many of my patients go to treatment out of fear of reprisals from enforcement authorities. Many also resist treatment due to stigma and discrimination against persons who use drugs in the community,” says Doc Jen.
Results indicated barriers to treatment include stigma and discrimination. Although fear influenced some to seek treatment, it is often not enough to keep clients in the program. Ultimately, it is self-motivation and family support that are the major enablers to change.