Three-day training concludes to strengthen clinical capacity for women’s substance use disorder treatment

The three-day clinical training on “Comprehensive Care for Substance Use Disorder (WISE) Course 1: Clinical Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders” concluded today with a closing ceremony aimed at strengthening the capacity of treatment professionals to provide gender-responsive, evidence-based and compassionate care for women affected by substance use disorders.

The training was jointly organised by Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) and ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter under the Women’s Intervention of Substance Exposure (WISE) programme and was held from 18-20 August 2026. The curriculum for the training was developed and dedicated by the Colombo Plan, focusing specifically on the clinical care and treatment needs of women with substance use disorders.

Prof. Dr. Golam Rahman attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. Abu Tayeb Abu Ahmed was present as the Special Guest. The ceremony was presided over by Iqbal Masud, Director, Health & Nutrition Sector, Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Member Secretary, ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter.

The three-day WISE Course-1 covered key areas including the physical, psychological and social impacts of substance use among women, treatment engagement and retention, trauma-informed care, screening and comprehensive assessment, individualised treatment planning, clinical interventions, and the development of safe and therapeutic treatment environments. Participants also received guidance on addressing co-occurring mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD and eating disorders.

The training adopted an interactive and practical approach, combining technical presentations with group discussions, case studies, role plays and hands-on exercises. The methodology was designed to help participants translate clinical knowledge into practical skills that can be applied in their daily work with women seeking treatment and recovery support.

The sessions were facilitated by experienced resource persons, including Iqbal Masud, Md. Tanvir Ahmed and Jannatul Ferdous, who guided participants through the WISE Course-1 curriculum and practical learning activities.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the speakers highlighted the importance of specialised and gender-responsive treatment services for women, noting that women with substance use disorders often face additional barriers related to stigma, trauma, violence, family and social pressures, and limited access to appropriate treatment services.

The successful completion of Course-1 marks an important step towards building a stronger professional workforce capable of providing evidence-based, trauma-informed and women-centred substance use disorder treatment in Bangladesh.

Currently, Dhaka Ahsania Mission operates two specialised facilities for women, namely the Mayer Hashi Mental Health Service Centre and the Ahsania Mission Female Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, providing specialised mental health, substance use treatment and rehabilitation services for women.

The organisers expressed their commitment to continuing professional development and strengthening specialised services to ensure that women affected by substance use disorders receive quality treatment, dignity, safety and appropriate support throughout their recovery journey.

-HIS