Ainura Esenamanova Coordinator of the methadone substitution therapy program in Kyrgyzstan. Interview in English Windows Media | MP3

Currently we are planning to introduce pilot methadone substitution therapy projects in prisons across Kyrgyzstan. The main objectives are, first and foremost, preventing HIV infection among injecting drug users, as well as reducing the spread of diseases transmitted by injection, such as viral hepatitis.

Another goal is to continue the methadone therapy and to avoid interrupting the treatment of those who were receiving methadone from the civil health system at the time of their arrest and imprisonment. Also we set out to improve prisoners’ quality of life and ensure their subsequent rehabilitation.

At present, our methadone substitution treatment program in prisons is the only one in Central Asia. It should be noted that five years ago, the introduction of the pilot methadone treatment project in Kyrgyzstan was unique, not only in Central Asia but also in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).

Our experience over the last five years has shown the necessity to introduce this program in prisons. The reason is that some participants of the civil methadone program end up in prison for one reason or another, and unfortunately, do not have the capacity to stay on treatment.

This is a very important issue. I want to emphasize that in 2005, methadone was added to the list of essential medicines in Kyrgyzstan – which is an important moment in the history of this therapy in our republic. It means that in the future, if financial support from donors stops, our Government will continue to provide injecting drug users with methadone.

There is no restriction on the admission of people to the methadone programs in the Kyrgyz prison system. Аt the moment, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is preparing guidelines to prevent restrictions on participation in methadone therapy.
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