Abstract: The Unlinked Anonymous Prevalence Monitoring Programme began in 1988, and was aimed at measuring the distribution of infection, especially HIV, in accessible groups of the adult population. The programme provides estimates of HIV infection among groups in whom a substantial proportion of infections are undiagnosed and therefore not ascertained by other surveillance systems. Essential public health information on the prevalence of HIV infection in these groups cannot be obtained any other way. This report summarises programme data to the end of 2001.

Abstract: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) today issued its Report 2010. “This Report shows how health, security and justice are the antidotes to drugs, crime and terrorism,” said UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa. The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, during an official visit to Austria, said: “The UNODC 2010 Report showcases the extraordinary task accomplished by this small office. This is further proof of how Vienna has become a hub for human security issues, and how the UN can deliver assistance in the field to save people from the misery of drugs and crime.” The Report covers the full range of UNODC’s work around the world: promoting drug treatment and alternative development; improving criminal justice; strengthening integrity; and reducing vulnerability to crime. Its descriptive chapters are brought to life by photos and personal accounts, like those of a trafficking survivor, a prison employee, a cacao farmer, and a recovering drug addict. The Report also explains how UNODC carries out its renowned research, including its growing capacity in scientific and forensic services. The Report concludes by offering a blunt assessment of UNODC’s resource requirements: “currently, resources available are minute compared to the gigantic menace that we face,” said Mr. Costa. One of the main themes throughout the Report is the threat posed by organized crime. The issue is high on the international agenda. Organized crime has been debated in the Security Council several times over the past six months, it will be the focus of the Twelfth UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice that will take place in Salvador, Brazil next week (12-19 April), as well as the fifth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN (Palermo) Convention against Transnational Organized Crime to be held in Vienna this October. “2010 – which is the 10th anniversary of the Palermo Convention – should be the year for strengthening the international response to organized crime,” said Mr. Costa. “There is plenty of bad news about drugs and crime. This Report shows that these threats can be addressed in a way that has wider benefits for society, namely improving health, security and justice for all,” said Mr. Costa. The UNODC 2010 Report is available in hard copy and on the UNODC website: www.unodc.org

Abstract: The Trends and developments report presents a top-level overview of the drug phenomenon in Europe, covering drug supply, use and public health problems as well as drug policy and responses. Together with the online Statistical bulletin, Country overviews and Perspectives on drugs, it makes up the 2013 European Drug Report package.

Abstract: The training manual “Prison staff and harm reduction” is the main output of the EU-funded TCJP project (Training Criminal Justice Professionals in Harm Reduction Services for Vulnerable Groups). The main aim of the project is to develop and improve training for professionals in the criminal justice system who work on the ‘front line’ with problem drug users. The training package aims at prison staff and consists of a core section on harm reduction and several additional modules on subjects such as infectious diseases, mental health and women. It can be adapted to the needs of specific target audiences. The manual as well as PowerPoint presentations on each session (except for session 3.8 and 3.9 that are on the whole interactive) can be downloaded in English language. By December 2010, translations will be available in Bulgarian, German, Italian, Latvian and Romanian.

Abstract: The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health commissioned the Winterthur Institute of Health Economics and the Institute of Economic Research of the University of Neuchatel to undertake an economic evaluation of disease and accident prevention measures in Switzerland. The main objective of the study was the calculation of the economic return in the three prevention fields of tobacco, harmful use of alcohol, and road accidents with a common methodology. The main questions addressed with regard to prevention measures were: Do these measures work? And, if so, are they worth the money they cost? The main result is a positive return for every franc invested in health promotion and efforts for preventing road accidents, tobacco consumption and alcohol harmful use. The estimated return on investment varies between 9.4 for public road accident prevention programmes, 23 for alcohol prevention and 41 for tobacco prevention. The research has demonstrated the potential benefits of prevention measures; such efforts can deliver good value for money for society as a whole.