What do we currently do?
In response to the pressing need for enhanced harm reduction support and joint advocacy in Southeast Asia, the Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Network, in collaboration with key implementers from across the region, has launched a transnational technical support initiative. This effort operates as an independent association under a new brand name, the Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Association (AHRA).
AHRA represents a collective endeavour spanning multiple countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its overarching goal is to strengthen the delivery of harm reduction services and enhance the capacity for infectious disease prevention and control. By prioritizing the health and well-being of individuals who use drugs, AHRA aims to significantly improve their overall quality of life.
The Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Association (AHRA) is actively engaged in various activities to achieve its mission and goals. These activities include:
- Educational Activities and Advocacy:
- Organizing conferences, workshops, seminars, consultations, expert group meetings, and press conferences to educate and advocate for harm reduction public health issues, harm reduction policy advocacy, and human rights protection.
- Conducting informational, communication, media, and advocacy campaigns through digital platforms, websites, blogs, publications, social media posts, multimedia materials, videos, and audio materials.
- Analytical and Research Work:
- Collaborating with academic institutions to conduct operational research on harm reduction public health issues, harm reduction policy advocacy, and human rights protection.
- Undertaking policy analysis, focus groups, key informant interviews, and case studies to generate evidence and insights.
- Support to Key Population Communities:
- Advocating for the rights and interests of key population communities, including people who use drugs, and working towards the protection of their human rights, particularly the right to health.
- Program and Project Development:
- Developing, implementing, and supporting programs and projects that address harm reduction public health issues, harm reduction policy advocacy, and human rights protection, with a specific focus on the right to health.
- Granting Services:
- Providing grants, prizes, scholarships, and other forms of support to individuals and organizations working on harm reduction public health issues, harm reduction policy advocacy, and human rights protection.
- Strategic Information and Database Management:
- Assisting in the creation, systematized collection, and utilization of databases and information resources related to harm reduction, in coordination with other regional and global harm reduction networks.
- Cooperation and Networking:
- Supporting national, regional, and international cooperation in the field of harm reduction public health policy issues, harm reduction policy advocacy, and human rights protection.
- Facilitating the development of exchange programs, study tours, capacity building events, and networking opportunities at national, regional, and international levels.
- Promotion and Popularization:
- Promoting the activities of the association at the national, regional, and international levels to raise awareness and engagement.
- Privacy and Data Protection:
- Ensuring privacy and data protection for association members in accordance with the highest standards.
- Other Activities:
- Undertaking additional activities that contribute to the achievement of the association’s mission.
Through these diverse activities, the Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Association (AHRA) aims to strengthen harm reduction service delivery, enhance infection disease prevention and control capacity, and improve the health and quality of life of people who use drugs in Southeast Asia.
