Neftaly: Generating and Utilising Strategic Information on Drug Use–Related Interventions in the Region

Overview

Neftaly is committed to strengthening the regional response to drug use by enhancing the generation, analysis, and utilization of strategic information. Effective drug use–related interventions must be grounded in accurate, timely, and context-specific data. Through a multi-sectoral and rights-based approach, Neftaly supports evidence-driven policies and programs that address the health, social, and structural dimensions of drug use in the region.

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Objective

To improve the effectiveness of drug use–related interventions by building regional capacity to generate high-quality strategic information and apply it for policy-making, program design, implementation, and monitoring in participating countries.

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Key Areas of Focus

1. Strengthening Data Collection Systems

• Support the development and integration of drug use surveillance systems into national health and law enforcement data platforms.
• Promote standardized data collection methodologies for consistency across countries.
• Work with community-based organizations to gather qualitative and quantitative data from people who use drugs (PWUD), including those in hidden and high-risk settings.

2. Enhancing Data Quality and Analysis

• Provide technical assistance for data validation, management, and disaggregation by age, gender, and risk behavior.
• Encourage triangulation of data from health, criminal justice, and social sectors to produce comprehensive situational assessments.
• Build regional analytical capacity to interpret trends in drug use patterns, harm reduction needs, and service gaps.

3. Supporting Evidence-Based Program Planning

• Use strategic information to inform the design and scaling of harm reduction services such as needle and syringe programs (NSPs), opioid substitution therapy (OST), and overdose prevention.
• Identify priority areas and high-risk populations for targeted interventions.
• Promote the use of modeling tools to project future needs and evaluate the impact of policy changes.

4. Facilitating Knowledge Sharing and Regional Coordination

• Establish regional knowledge hubs and learning exchanges to share good practices and research findings.
• Engage governments, civil society, academia, and international partners in collaborative dialogue and peer learning.
• Encourage the development of regional guidelines and frameworks for data use in drug policy and program development.

5. Empowering Communities and Stakeholders

• Involve people who use drugs in data collection, program evaluation, and research initiatives to ensure meaningful participation.
• Provide training for civil society organizations on how to interpret and use data for advocacy and service delivery.
• Strengthen accountability by promoting transparency in how data informs funding and policy decisions.

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Outcomes and Impact

• Improved availability and reliability of strategic information to guide drug use interventions.
• Stronger regional coordination in responding to emerging trends and cross-border challenges related to drug use.
• Increased investment in harm reduction and public health approaches, guided by evidence and best practices.
• Enhanced capacity of stakeholders to monitor progress, identify service gaps, and promote the rights and health of people who use drugs.

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Conclusion

Neftaly’s focus on strategic information is central to building smarter, more responsive drug policies in the region. By bridging data with action, Neftaly empowers governments, communities, and civil society to create safer, healthier environments for all — especially those most vulnerable to the harms of drug use.