The success of the Methadone Drug Substitution Therapy (MDST) to treat heroin addicts in the country has inspired the launch of the University of Malaya Center for Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) and the Methadone Research Clinic, which are affiliated under the Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya.

Professor Dr Ikram Shah Ismail,Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, officiated the launch of both centre and clinic which aims to enhance and support Malaysia’s successful addiction treatment strategies to reduce drug addiction and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

Professor Dr Ikram said the launch of UMCAS and the Methadone Research Clinic was timely in line with the Government’s objective to achieve its UN mandated Millenium Development Goals by 2015. “I am confident that this initiative will help to elevate the country’s harm reduction programme and achieve the Government’s goal of placing 25,000 addicts on DST by 2015.”

Officially set up in February this year, UMCAS’s objectives include the promotion of research interest and publications in the addiction field; provide training programmes for those from numerous levels such as undergraduate and postgraduate students, general practitioners, police officers and prison staff; accommodate integrated addiction treatment services for various addiction disorders plus infectious diseases related to substance use; offer consultation services for various agencies and the community; and collaborate with other addiction research centres locally and internationally.

According to Dr Rusdi Abd Rashid, Coordinator, the University of Malaya Centre for Addiction Sciences, UMCAS has the capacity to carry out clinical services such as heroin addiction treatment and scientific studies on methadone, alcohol, nicotine and other stimulants as well as community intervention programmes such as the pilot methadone maintenance treatment programme in Malaysian prisons and the National Anti Drugs Agency (AADK)’s Aftercare programme.

“Besides promoting the use of information technology in terms of database development, bio-informatics and registration protocols, UMCAS also advocates technology and innovation advancement such as management protocols and models for various substance dependence treatments and the discovery of new medications for addiction treatments.

“We hope to establish UMCAS as the first addiction research institute in Malaysia and together with the Methadone Research Clinic, become a preferred one-stop centre of excellence for training, research and treatment of addiction problems,” Dr Rusdi added.

Professor Dr Mohamad Hussain bin Habil, Head, Addiction Specialist and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Department of Psychological Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre said MDST was an effective treatment to hinder heroin addicts from contracting HIV/AIDS from contaminated syringes.

“About 80 per cent of the reported 80,000 HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia in 2006 are intravenous drug users. MDST has been proven effective following the 90 per cent success rate in 1 year retention rate in its pilot project in 2005. This therapy deals directly with the physiological processes that underlie addiction as well as psychological craving and gives a legally accessible and medically safe and effective treatment that also reduces crime and HIV risk behaviours related to illegal drug use, leading to a higher employment rate and better quality of life among addicts.

“Evidence has also shown that HIV positive addicts on MDST exhibit a higher level of compliance towards Antiretroviral treatment (ARV) with an equal success rate as compared to non-drug related HIV positive cases. However, it is important to monitor MDST and ARV interactions to ensure that addicts get the appropriate therapy. This new clinic offers integrated HIV and addiction treatment services to effectively manage each individual’s needs,” said Professor Dr Mohamad Hussain.

Meanwhile, CCM Duopharma Biotech Bhd (CCMD) donated RM13,000 to UMCAS and the Methadone Research Clinic in recognition of their efforts to promote MDST and ARV in support of the Government’s fight against drug addiction and HIV/AIDS.

“We are very supportive of the launch of UMCAS and the Methadone Research Clinic and we hope our modest contribution will help both centre and clinic to enhance advocacy and create awareness on harm reduction activities,” said CCM Berhad Group Managing Director, Dato’ Dr Mohd Hashim Tajudin who presented a mock cheque at the launch ceremony.

Dr Rusdi added that UMCAS appreciated the support of various parties including players in the pharmaceutical industry and hoped they could work together to educate those who work closely with addicts such as general practitioners and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on MDST’s effectiveness as well as latest issues and procedures that are related to the treatment.

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Issued with the compliments of University of Malaya Center for Addiction Sciences
For further information, please contact: Ida Fazila Ismail
of Eric Pringle Associates Public Relations Sdn Bhd
at Tel No: 21617144 or email: ifazila@epapr.com.my