Training: UNODC HIV/AIDS Section Strengthening Harm Reduction and HIV Prevention in Prisons in Malawi and Zambia
UNODC organized harm reduction capacity-building trainings for prison officials and healthcare providers in Malawi and Zambia. The training covered a wide range of thematic areas, including HIV prevention and harm reduction in line with international standards, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules. Additionally, the workshop addressed topics related to gender-based violence, mental health, women's health in prison, the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV, and the needs of key populations in prison settings, such as transgender individuals.
Workshop organized by Brazilian Ministry of Health and UNODC on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and STIs in Brasilia, Brazil
On November 18th in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Department of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (DATHI), the workshop engaged health managers, civil society representatives, and international experts to develop actionable recommendations and establish targets aligned with Brazil’s National Plan on HIV/AIDS and STIs.
UNODC hosted Opioid Agonist Therapy Training (OAT) in Cape Town, South Africa
In November 2024, the UNODC hosted a two-day training event aimed at establishing and implementing Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) programs for people who use drugs. The training brought together stakeholders from the UNODC Southern Africa Regional Office, WHO, the National Department of Health, and the South African National AIDS Council. It was based on the operational tool for low- and middle-income countries titled "Establishing and Delivering Evidence-Based, High-Quality Opioid Agonist Services."
UNODC Launches Training Package on addressing Gender-Based Violence and Drug Use
As part of the global campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women," HAS launched a training package titled "Addressing the Specific Needs of Women and People of Diverse Gender Identity and Expression Who Use Drugs." UNODC facilitated a critical training on preventing and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) among women who use drugs. The training sessions were held face-to-face in both Brazil and South Africa in November 2024. The package builds on insights from a recent briefing paper that explores the widespread impact of GBV on women and people with diverse gender identities who use drugs. It also highlights the connection between GBV and the HIV epidemic, offering practical harm reduction measures.
Law Enforcement and Public Health: Highlights from the African Regional Conference on Law Enforcement and Public Health 2024
In the occasion of the African Regional Conference on Law Enforcement and Public Health, a pre-conference workshop focused on harm reduction was held from November 30 to December 1 in Pretoria, South Africa. Participants engaged in foundational training aimed at enhancing law enforcement officials' understanding of harm reduction, fostering cross-country collaboration, and exploring gender-centric strategies for addressing substance use and gender-based violence among women who use drugs. A compelling presentation from UNODC emphasized the pivotal role of law enforcement in addressing the ongoing HIV epidemic in East and Southern Africa. In the conference, a high-level panel highlighted the critical intersection of public health and law enforcement in addressing the HIV epidemic.
UNODC Commemorating World AIDS Day 2024
On 1 December, UNODC joined partners around the world to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024, reaffirming its commitment to solidarity with people living with HIV. UNODC HIV/AIDS Section participated in a global social media campaign by publishing visual materials to raise awareness about HIV-related issues and UNODC work, and a message from Ms. Ghada Waly (Executive Director, UNDOC) was made to commemorate the day and can be viewed here. Alongside, to mark the occasion, several regional offices on UNODC organized activities to commemorate the day, with a particular focus on key populations at higher risk. One such group brought to focus was men who have sex with men (MSM), who engage in Chemsex—the use of stimulant drugs to facilitate sexual activity. This group faces heightened vulnerability to HIV transmission due to unsafe sexual practices and drug use disorders, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions and support.
UNODC at European Harm Reduction Conference 2024: Advancing Public Health Policing and Harm Reduction
During the pre-conference event, held on December 1st, UNODC HAS delivered a compelling presentation titled “The Role of Law Enforcement in Public Health and Human Rights Protection of People Who Use Drugs.” The session highlighted the crucial role of law enforcement in advancing harm reduction, facilitating access to health services, and protecting the human rights of marginalized populations. During the EHRC 2024 conference, UNODC supported two workshops: one focused on “From Policy to Practice: Implementing Public Health-Oriented Policing in EECA,” and the other on “Treatment, Care, and Support for People Who Use Stimulant Drugs.” Here, UNODC showcased its comprehensive technical guidance and capacity-building package designed to strengthen HIV and HCV interventions among people who use stimulant drugs.
UNODC ROSA in collaboration with the India Vision Foundation and the Uttar Pradesh Prison Department – Consultation
Officials from 76 prisons across the state participated at a transformative consultation on enhancing prison healthcare, tackle infectious diseases and addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges through innovative strategies and tools. Through intensive and hands-on discussions, prison administrators, healthcare providers, and policymakers exchanged insights, experiences, and actionable solutions. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of an Interactive Prison Toolkit, an innovative resource designed to educate prison staff on the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules. The toolkit includes a peer guide and board games to raise awareness on the Mandela Rules. The consultation also had a dedicated session addressing the unique health challenges faced by women, including reproductive health, maternal care, and mental health support, in line with the Bangkok Rules. Participants engaged in a practical session featuring case studies and role-play exercises, led by prison staff.
Training of Trainers and Training on HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support for People Who Use Stimulant Drugs
UNODC has resumed delivering training sessions focused on the care and support of people who use stimulant drugs. One of the sessions took place in Lahore, Pakistan, with 22 participants, while another virtual meeting, aimed at training future trainers, included 35 participants. These training programs are grounded in the UNODC's Technical Guide on HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care, and Support for People Who Use Stimulant Drugs. The objective is to enhance the capacity of service providers from governmental agencies and communities of key populations to implement evidence-based interventions for HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support specifically tailored to people who use stimulant drugs.