On April 21 and 22, the Alberto Masferrer University of El Salvador (USAM) — host of the ISSUP El Salvador National Chapter - hosted a meeting with various churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs). The main objective was to provide specialized training in prevention, treatment, and recovery for people in vulnerable situations and with problematic substance use.
These sessions were attended by 23 representatives from 9 organizations, who explored human dignity and the integral dimensions of the person, the scientific evidence applied to prevention and rehabilitation processes, and the evidence-based approach to drug users.
The training was provided by specialists from USAM, the Solidarity Fund for Health (FOSALUD), and Mission to El Salvador, all member organizations of the National Chapter. This initiative builds upon the course for faith-based organizations developed in 2025 by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organization of American States (CICAD/OAS) in coordination with ISSUP Global.
The day began with welcoming remarks from the OAS/CICAD highlighting the role of faith-based organizations in addressing substance use, the importance of spirituality, and the fundamental role of the church and the community.
One of the points most emphasized by attendees was the need to bridge the gap between scientific rigor and pastoral work. By integrating the churches' community-oriented and humanistic vision with the specialized expertise of institutions, a complementary approach is achieved that enhances the impact of interventions for the benefit of Salvadoran communities.
Gallery
