KI Media: Cambodia opens first methadone clinic for heroin users

10:35 Cambodia opens first methadone clinic for heroin users 0 Comments

KI Media: Cambodia opens first methadone clinic for heroin users: "Cambodia has launched the country's first methadone-treatment programme, in a new approach to help heroin users.

The World Health Organization (WHO) told the BBC that addiction was widely viewed in Cambodia as a social problem, rather than a health issue.

Until now the government has favoured treatment centres which emphasise hard work and exercise.

But health workers and human rights groups have criticised the facilities, describing them as 'labour camps'.

The opening of the methadone clinic is the culmination of years of gentle persuasion by organisations which work with drug users."