Dr. Amarylis Abcede and Dr. Aurora Parong of the Medical Action Group participated in the Drug Policy Summit held from July 10-12, 2024, at the Diamond Hotel in Pasay, Philippines. This summit was organized by the United Nations Joint Programme on Human Rights (UNJP), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and other partner agencies and institutions.
The summit aimed to review the country’s drug policies, focusing on the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, it brought together various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, national and local government agencies, policymakers, academia, and health professionals. The goal was to conduct nationwide dialogues with diverse sectors to develop a roadmap that better aligns drug policies with human rights.
The Medical Action Group emphasizes the importance of viewing drug policy through a health perspective rather than solely through the lens of law enforcement.