STATE ANTI-DRUG HEALTH POLICY IN RUSSIA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE KHANTY-MANSIYSK AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION)

Abstract

In recent decades, the illicit drug problem within Russia’s population has become more severe. The threat of drug addiction is not only socially unacceptable but, in general, is fast becoming a major public health problem in Russia. The study objective is to identify factors that determine the availability of support from the state anti-drug policy of Russia, as exemplified by the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District, Yugra. Monitoring of the drug situation, carried out in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra in 2014 - 2016, provides the background data along with results of a sociological survey of 2000 residents, and input from an expert panel. Indicators of drug-related morbidity in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra, are compared with those for the Russian Federation as a whole. Parameters and criteria for providing access to health care for the population are established along with recommendations for the authorities on how to optimize drug treatment for the population. The monitoring not only provides data to identify the vulnerabilities but, with the accumulated positive experience from Russia, also assists those providing drug treatment to the population to focus efforts in alleviating this major social problem.