U.S. Ambassador Wayne and Undersecretary for Political Affairs Ambassador Wendy Sherman attend RENADIC Inauguration with Licenciada Margarita Zavala

U.S. Ambassador Wayne and Undersecretary for Political Affairs Ambassador Wendy Sherman attend RENADIC Inauguration with Licenciada Margarita Zavala

Mexico City, February 1, 2012 – Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Anthony Wayne today joined Lic. Margarita Zavala, spouse of President Calderon, to visit a local Nueva Vida center and inaugurate the RENADIC (Red Nacional Contra Las Adicciones).

RENADIC is an $18 million technology platform that the United States government provided under the Merida Initiative to link 400 Nueva Vida centers across Mexico as well as state and local addiction councils.  The Mexican government’s Nueva Vida centers provide their communities with information on substance abuse, basic diagnostic tools and referrals to treatment resources as needed.  The centers also promote outreach of drug abuse awareness.  The Merida-funded hardware and software package provided to each location will enable best practice sharing and improved information and case management. 

“This system is a brilliant example of Mexico’s commitment to confront the scourge of drug use and addiction at every level,” said Sherman.  “I applaud and thank the National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC) and its leadership on such an important issue that affects every part of society.” 

Lic. Zavala said, “All of us here share the concern and commitment to work on addiction prevention and treatment.  And, as neighbors, as neighboring peoples, we have a shared responsibility throughout the region.  That’s why for me it is such a great honor and pleasure to be here.  Because the transfer of this equipment to the National Network Against Addictions is an expression of the responsibility shared by our two countries.

The National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC) and its sister agency the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Addiction (CENADIC) are the primary Government of Mexico offices responsible for implementing and carrying out addiction policies.  In conjunction with CONADIC, Licenciada Margarita Zavala launched the Nueva Vida campaign in 2007, seeking to improve the welfare of Mexican families and children.  This campaign includes prevention training at different levels for millions of children and adolescents, as well as training for over half a million public health workers as addiction first responders.

“Under President Calderon’s leadership, our partnership has never been stronger or more successful,” continued Sherman.  “President Calderon has dedicated unprecedented resources to fight organized crime and transform Mexican institutions to address the challenges of a growing and vibrant society.  The United States is a committed partner in this effort, and the Merida Initiative exemplifies our commitment to the Mexican government and citizens.”

Ambassador Wayne said, “Prevention, outreach, rehabilitation treatment, and education about the detrimental effects of illegal narcotics are key elements in our community effort.  Approximately $33 million of Merida Initiative funding is devoted to supporting programs that assist Government of Mexico in reducing drug demand, a problem that affects both our countries and must be addressed jointly.”  

Under Secretary of State Sherman used her two-day visit to Mexico to advance the strong U.S.-Mexico partnership.  In Mexico City, she met with senior government officials, civil society leaders, and journalists.  The Under Secretary’s visit reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship on a range of issues including economic prosperity, regional cooperation, and civil society participation in confronting shared challenges as well as international developments from the Middle East to the G-20 agenda.  The visit also reinforced our continuing cooperation under the Merida Initiative to build strong, resilient communities and a secure, efficient 21st century border.

To date, almost $900 million of equipment and training has been delivered to Mexico under the Merida Initiative.  Over $500 million was delivered in 2011 alone.  This assistance not only included support for the security and justice sectors, but also assistance for building strong and resilient communities.