Policy Action
September 04, 2023
Harm Reduction is essential in addressing the systemic challenges faced by People Who Use Drugs (PUDs). These challenges are rooted in institutional stigma, discrimination, poverty, human rights violations, and criminalization, leading to limited access to life-saving harm reduction services like ART, anti-TB, HCV medication, protective equipment, and overdose prevention. It’s crucial to note that 95% of harm reduction public health is not funded or integrated into national health finance systems. This lack of funding exacerbates health security issues, making it imperative to advocate for rational, evidence-based drug policies to reduce the disproportionate impact on PUDs and society as a whole.