The new focus will include a change in the name of the policy. It will be changed from "National Anti-Drug Policy" to "National Policy on Drugs."
"Changing the name is a symbol, and there will be a change in orientation. The country is maturing in order to put forward a more pragmatic policy," said Pedro Gabriel Delgado, the government's mental health coordinator.
The president's public safety secretary, General Jorge Armando Felix, has also endorsed the proposal. "Drug dependents are a public health problem. They should be treated as people like those with any other illness, particularly in the area of psychiatry, they need support and treatment."
Through this new lens, Lula will sign a presidential decree to regulate harm reduction programs, making possible a wider network of treatment for drug users and the creation of local centers for safe drug use. Before opening their doors, these centers will need authorization from the Health Ministry and will count with permanent support.
Wow.
