The Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) conducted a training workshop for psychiatrists at governmental hospitals on OST in collaboration with the National Aids Program (NAP) at the ministry of Health Egypt and UNODC.

The training was held in Egypt from 5 to 7 November 2021 and was facilitated by Dr. DR JOSEPH EL KHOURY.

 The aim of this training is to build the capacity of service providers after the introduction of opioid substitution therapy in Egypt through transferring knowledge to psychiatrists in governmental hospitals about OST.

At the end of the training several recommendations were suggested:

– The provision of regular ongoing mentorship by international and/or regional experts would be advised to strengthen adherence to the program and build local experience.

– A ‘train the trainer’ approach would need to be developed within 12 months of the start of the program allowing local capacity building and less reliance on external support.

– Advocacy and targeted public awareness effort are strongly recommended in parallel with the initiation of the program.