Implementing a Coordinated Health Response to Chemsex in Madrid (2023–2026)
Abstract
Background: Chemsex is a growing public health concern, associated with increased risks to sexual health, substance use disorders, mental health problems and sexual violence, particularly in urban settings. In response, the Community of Madrid launched in 2023 a pioneering intersectoral strategy integrating public health, healthcare services, addiction and mental health networks, social services, scientific societies and community‑based organizations
Objectives: To describe the main actions developed within this Initiative and to highlight key strategic achievements
Methods: A descriptive practice‑based approach was used, drawing on implementation documents, agreed action plans and structured follow‑up activities to analyse governance arrangements, intersectoral coordination mechanisms and actions implemented
Results: The Initiative consolidated an interdisciplinary and person‑centred approach, placing the perspectives and participation of people engaged in chemsex. Progressive integration was achieved across all levels of the socio‑healthcare system, including primary care, hospital services, mental health and addiction networks, and emergency services, together with scientific societies and NGO. Key achievements include progress in developing a comprehensive chemsex care pathway, with specific protocols for screening and early identification, emergency clinical management and coordinated care for men experiencing sexual violence in chemsex‑related contexts. Person‑centred information materials and professional recommendations were developed, incorporating harm reduction and abstinence‑oriented responses. The Initiative was supported by qualitative research, Interdisciplinary Training Plan and strengthened public health surveillance
Conclusions: This experience demonstrates the feasibility and added value of a coordinated, interdisciplinary and person‑centred public health response to chemsex, offering an innovative and transferable model for complex urban contexts
Key messages: • Madrid launched a pioneering, person centred intersectoral strategy to address chemsex.
• It integrated care pathways, protocols and surveillance across health and community actors.
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BibTeX
@article{moranarribas2026implementing,
title = {{Implementing a Coordinated Health Response to Chemsex in Madrid (2023–2026)}},
author = {M Morán-Arribas and S Fernández-Rodríguez and M Molina-Olivas and C Cevallos-García and N Mata-Pariente and P Agustín-Ubide and R Soriano-Ocón and JM González del Castillo and T Hernández-Meléndez and WG Chemsex Initiative},
journal = {The European Journal of Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1924},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1924},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Implementing a Coordinated Health Response to Chemsex in Madrid (2023–2026)
AU - M Morán-Arribas
AU - S Fernández-Rodríguez
AU - M Molina-Olivas
AU - C Cevallos-García
AU - N Mata-Pariente
AU - P Agustín-Ubide
AU - R Soriano-Ocón
AU - JM González del Castillo
AU - T Hernández-Meléndez
AU - WG Chemsex Initiative
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - The European Journal of Public Health
DO - 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1924
UR - https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1924
AB - Background: Chemsex is a growing public health concern, associated with increased risks to sexual health, substance use disorders, mental health problems and sexual violence, particularly in urban settings. In response, the Community of Madrid launched in 2023 a pioneering intersectoral strategy integrating public health, healthcare services, addiction and mental health networks, social services, scientific societies and community‑based organizations Objectives: To describe the main actions developed within this Initiative and to highlight key strategic achievements Methods: A descriptive practice‑based approach was used, drawing on implementation documents, agreed action plans and structured follow‑up activities to analyse governance arrangements, intersectoral coordination mechanisms and actions implemented Results: The Initiative consolidated an interdisciplinary and person‑centred approach, placing the perspectives and participation of people engaged in chemsex. Progressive integration was achieved across all levels of the socio‑healthcare system, including primary care, hospital services, mental health and addiction networks, and emergency services, together with scientific societies and NGO. Key achievements include progress in developing a comprehensive chemsex care pathway, with specific protocols for screening and early identification, emergency clinical management and coordinated care for men experiencing sexual violence in chemsex‑related contexts. Person‑centred information materials and professional recommendations were developed, incorporating harm reduction and abstinence‑oriented responses. The Initiative was supported by qualitative research, Interdisciplinary Training Plan and strengthened public health surveillance Conclusions: This experience demonstrates the feasibility and added value of a coordinated, interdisciplinary and person‑centred public health response to chemsex, offering an innovative and transferable model for complex urban contexts Key messages: • Madrid launched a pioneering, person centred intersectoral strategy to address chemsex. • It integrated care pathways, protocols and surveillance across health and community actors.
SN - 1101-1262
SN - 1464-360X
ER -