A new community programme by the University of Pretoria to fight drug abuse is yielding positive results – without breaking the bank.
“For years we have been spending millions on building rehabs, but they can only help a few people at a time and the evidence shows they are not very successful,” said project leader Dr Lorinda Kroukamp of the new initiative, which cost less than traditional approaches.
Called community-oriented substance use programme (Cosup), it is an initiative by the university’s department of family medicine and the city of Tshwane. It began life in August 2016.
It uses a groundbreaking new approach to engaging with people who use drugs, usually before they develop a serious dependency.
Cosup offers a range of interventions that are “non-confrontational” and “collaborative”.
It started with eight sites, with an additional six satellite sites in Mamelodi and Soshanguve.
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Over 2 500 people are enrolled, with 450 on medication to assist them in reducing and stopping their drug use. Several of these people are now employed or receiving training to help them earn a livelihood.
Kroukamp said that she was aware of the need to ensure projects are sustainable, practical and appropriate.
She has a background in the pharmaceutical industry and has been involved with the roll-out of programmes focusing on affordable healthcare in Africa.
Cosup is built on existing services and structures, according to her.
“It is also in the community, making it cheaper, more responsive and more accessible.”
Jacob Chanda is a beneficiary of one of Cosup’s programmes.
“Life just keeps getting better since I discovered the programme,” he told Rekord.
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“Now I am even back at night school and am ready for the next phase of my life, thanks to Cosup.”
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