Some populations are more vulnerable to Covid-19, including people who use drugs and those who are trying to overcome their addiction problem. It is essential to keep them, and those who help them, safe
Residents and staff members in our centres are in urgent need of personal protection equipment – photo Shutterstock, licence CC
According to the United Nations Drug and Crime Office World Drug Report 2019, 35 million people suffer from illicit drug use disorders and only 1 in 7 receives treatment. With regard to the prevalence of alcohol use disorders, it is estimated that they affect around 1.4% of world’s population.
Most people who use drugs are specifically vulnerable to COVID due to their health condition. They may have developed long-term diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), HIV, tuberculosis, cancer and other illnesses affecting the immune system, and often face difficult social and economic situations (including homelessness) as well as social isolation, stigma and criminalization.
At the Dianova centres, we continue to try and meet everyone’s needs. That of the residents themselves, but also that of the psychologists, social workers, educators, counsellors and all other staff members who keep on working tirelessly despite their fear of being exposed to the virus.
People with alcohol and other drug use disorders, de-socialised minors, homeless people and people in situations of great vulnerability in general also need protection. In Dianova’s centres in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Uruguay, more than 500 people are currently receiving addiction treatment, supported by our professionals. In addition, the other centres operated by other organizations member of the Dianova network maintain their daily activities in other countries, including India, Togo, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile, Nicaragua, Turkey, Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Protecting our staff and our residents is a priority. We need masks, gloves, disinfectant gel, and any material to help us stop the spread of the virus.
In Dianova Italy alone, an average of €10 per day is spent on the purchase of medical equipment to prevent contamination among professionals, and about €100 euros per day to protect the residents. All the centres are making an extra human and economic effort to overcome this situation as best as possible and to be able to continue providing a quality service.
“Since the start of lockdown, I haven’t been able to seen my little boy and I’m having a hard time. But the centre’s counsellors and psychologist and also my peers are helping me a lot and are all very attentive to everyone’s needs”
Monica, 49 – Centre of Can Parellada – Dianova Spain
Why do we need your support?
People with substance use disorders are more vulnerable to COVID-19. It is therefore essential to protect them while in treatment and stop the spread of the virus. The same goes for other at-risk populations Dianova is dedicated to helping, including migrants, socially disadvantaged youths, women victims of violence and homeless people.
Who do we help with your support?
Residents in our centres aren’t the only ones who need your help. Our staff include hundreds of psychologists, social workers, counsellors and other health and social care professionals. Their services are essential to our society, their daily work upholds our right to health and human empowerment.
What can we do with your help?
Thanks to your support, it will be possible to continue procuring protective equipment for our centres and other activities developed in the Dianova network. Even a small contribution can make a difference in ensuring that our staff and the people they serve are protected and safe.
