Scaling Up of Harm Reduction in Asia

World Health Organisation/Asian Harm Reduction Network

Only a couple of years ago, the term "harm reduction" was deemed unacceptable to many governments and international agencies working in the field of HIV/AIDS. A major barrier to the implementation of harm reduction on a national scale has been the confusion and debate about what harm reduction meant. Reduction is a crucial element of comprehensive HIV/AIDS strategies. This is significant that the WHO is promoting evidence-based approaches to HIV prevention. WHO as an authority in health in the region and the world can now advocate to policy makers around the region to develop HR strategies to prevent and control HIV among drug users. The main components/issues for scaling Harm Reduction in Asia remain centred around mechanism and distribution. This includes education, the availability of clean syringes and needles, drug detoxification programs and community involvement and development. Lessons have been learnt; the need for a rack of proper data, RSA; the need to advocate harm reduction; to inform all drug users not just IDUs; expand access to drug treatment; the need for the promotion of receiving more clients at DIC through service and the need for on going data but keeping the focus on service first.