CoNE Background

INTRODUCTION

An important process in the development and strengthening of CoNE as a state level network of People Who Use Drugs (PUD), strategic planning for the period 2014 – 2018 was conducted from 6^th to 8^th November 2013 at Imphal. The workshop was attended by all the Executive Committee Members (ECM) and Office Bearers (OB) of CoNE and reflected on the network’s pass experience and milestones achieved. The participants also reviewed and revisited already available organizational policies, pass strategic plan document and guidelines.The process further reflected on identifying the key Strengthen, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) of the network; strengthening of the secretariat, organizational and human resource development; identification of key advocacy agenda; networking and linkages with other allies; and resource mobilization.

We believe this 5 year strategic plan as the primary roadmap will help in CoNEbecoming a robust network while also addressing the key issues of the PUD community in the state of Manipur.

BACKGROUND

Manipur with a population of 2.3 million (2001 census) and having a land area of 22,327 Sq. Km, lays in the North Eastern most corner of India bordering Myanmar, having a long international boundary of 358 Km on the eastern side. With close proximity to the erstwhile “Golden Triangle” where an estimated 20% of the global production of opium takes place along with production of the world purest form of Heroin (locally known as No.4), the state from being a transit route of these heroin passing through the state highways, became a “user state” by early 80’s. By mid-80’s injection of heroin became quite rampant among young drug users in the state. With no education and services available on harm reduction and other associated health consequences, the community of PUD began to face several unexpected health consequences and socio-economic degradation. Infection rate of blood borne diseases like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) went up to its highest peak among the PUD community.

Today the trend of drug use in the state is not just restricted to injecting heroin. Multiple and oral use of drugs, and mixed mode of use through injecting and oral are also been reported. With no official data available, it is estimated that at present the state might be having some 30000 – 40000 PUD (inclusive of oral and injecting users). Various interventions have been initiated to address the problem of drug use and its associated harm by now in the state. However, despite the engagement of the PUD community in the response in various capacities, the moralistic perception of drug user, stigma and discrimination in various manners, violation of basic human rights, deprivation of social safety and livelihood support, criminalization, lack of access to quality health care services and treatment still continues to play havoc in the lives of PUD.

Thus it has become extremely important for the PUD community to come together as one to address these issues which are affecting their daily lives in many ways, and ensure that the voice of PUD are heard and are meaningfully involved in making decision that affects their lives.