● The mobile unit called IAPA-BÚS provides services such as HIV and Hepatitis C testing, psychological support, risk and harm reduction kits, guidance on treating addiction and clinical research.
● “For all people who take psychoactive substances, our mission is not to judge, not to convict, not to stigmatize anyone; rather, it is to listen, understand and help for free.” IAPA director provided nearly 50 services today said at the meeting.
The Ministry of Health (SEDESA), through the Institute of Addiction Care and Prevention (IAPA), reports that nearly 50 medical services are provided free of charge through the mobile unit called IAPA-BÚS, including research clinics, HIV and Cuauhtémoc Mayor’s Office for Hepatitis C testing is available to vulnerable groups, as well as psychological support and risk and harm reduction toolkits.
José Alcocer Sánchez, director of IAPA, explained that the goal of the strategy is to provide medical services to vulnerable groups in order to reduce inequalities in health.
“Mexico City visits a priority location each month with the aim of reducing health gaps and inequalities among vulnerable groups who consume psychoactive substances,” he explained.
He added that IAPA-BUS also provides human rights advisory and guidance services to reduce health risks and harms to people with substance use problems.
“For all those who take psychoactive substances, our mission is not to judge, not to criminalize, not to insult anyone; rather, it is to listen, understand and help free of charge,” said the head of IAPA.
The mobile unit consists of three offices, two of which are designed to serve people with addiction issues and one for medical and psychological counseling. Medical practitioners provide information on the consumption of psychoactive substances based on scientific evidence, with the aim of promoting self-care and reducing the risk of illness.
Through these actions, the Mexico City Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to guaranteeing the right to freedom, equality and non-discrimination to health.