The close association between AIDS and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs was strongly highlighted at the recent ACET Global Alliance meeting in Uganda. Both Tref Lloyd-Roberts and Dave Partington were invited to attend this event to represent ISAAC. It was also an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship which has grown over many years between ACET (Aids Care and Education Trust) and ISAAC. That relationship has been forged particularly in the Russian speaking world as we have been involved together in training ISAAC members and others to deal effectively with the growing AIDS problem amongst addicts.

The gathering was also an opportunity to discuss ways in which ISAAC can assist members of the ACET Alliance in dealing with their clients who have addiction related problems. Dave and Tref came back with a strong desire to see a handbook produced which would help ACET members tackle the addiction issue with more understanding.

In addition to being encouraged and inspired by the compassion and energy of ACET related organisations, Dave and Tref had the special blessing of meeting four young Ugandan ISAAC members. They were humbled by the fact that two of these members had traveled over 300 Km to be at the meeting! Over a lengthy lunch the young leaders were able to share together about the opportunities and challenges of working in Uganda. Tref and Dave left them talking about meeting again to encourage and support one another (and others) in Uganda.