OREANDA-NEWS. On 26 June 2009 was announced, that the first "Drop-In" center opened in Ashgabat on 23 June. This social project is designed to provide assistance to drug abusers. It was implemented through the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) CAPACITY project jointly with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

As the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports, the Drop-In center is based at Health House No. 4 in Bikrova. It will offer anonymous and free of charge services. The experienced health professionals will consult patients on all issues of concern, give advice on how to protect themselves from contracting HIV and other diseases with similar modes of transmission. In addition, visitors will be able to watch feature films and special prevention videos, and communicate with each other in a climate of trust. Doctors will also refer patients for special treatment.