Promoting the right to health of drug users in the workplace
Physical and mental health is a fundamental human right. In its 2024 World Drug Report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) addressed several contemporary issues. One of these is the development of a framework to protect the right to health of drug users, their family members (including their children), and broader communities.
UNODC describes this access to health as an inalienable right of all people, which should not be diminished or nullified because of drug use. It references the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which envisions equitable physical, mental and social healthcare for all, to support this point.
Core elements of drug users’ right to health
Drug users should receive healthcare and access to treatment programmes without fear of stigmatisation or other forms of discrimination. UNODC indicated this framework must cover all dimensions regarding the right to healthcare.
Health services, facilities and related treatment programmes must be readily available. This means that the necessary facilities should be easy to locate within communities.
Accessibility is a multi-tiered issue. Drug users must be able to access health services without fear of prejudice or labelling. The physical location and safety of these locations, affordability — especially when it comes to disadvantaged or vulnerable communities, and the availability of information must be addressed to ensure accessibility.
Acceptability relates to the respectful treatment of drug users and those affected by drug use. Health services must be aware of individual preferences and cultures while safeguarding privacy and confidentiality. Ultimately, health services should aim to promote the holistic wellbeing of patients to improve their physical and mental health status.
Quality should not be sacrificed when treating drug users, their loved ones or members of their communities. This means scientific and medically appropriate goods and services should be made available to all.
Extending drug users’ right to health to families and communities
The impacts of drugs do not start and stop with the drug user. Families, and often whole communities, struggle under the yoke of drug use. UNODC maintains health services should cover the treatment of those impacted by drug use and blanket care should be provided to address the grassroots issues.
Implementing workplace drug testing to promote the right to health of drug users
Healthcare services, such as hospitals and treatment programmes, are often a second base for drug users. Workplaces are in the unique position to step in as ‘first responders’ and support the right to health of drug users through workplace drug testing schemes.
A simple and rapid test, such as the Matrix Diagnostic Dip Test, can be used to screen for a range of different drugs, including heroin, spice, cocaine and opiates. Results are ready within five minutes after dipping the test strip in a urine sample.
This test and similar others, such as our multi-drug dip cards, are non-invasive and do not compromise a patient’s right to be treated with dignity. They enable employers and their workplace drug-testing partners to identify a problem, with the goal of preventing health-threatening consequences such as overdoses.