Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Wairi Singbul Network) Underscoring the effectiveness of harm reduction policies and programs in saving lives of drug users across the globe, a prominent drug users’ welfare body of the state today urged the state health authorities to consider and enhance various areas towards the issue on the occasion of “International Harm Reduction Day”.
In a statement, the self-explanatory Manipur Users Collective (MUC) drew the government’s attention “on the effectiveness of syringe exchange programs in reducing harm associated with injecting drug use and the need for comparative studies to evaluate their impact.”
According to researchers, Manipur has around one lakh drug users, including 50,000 Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), and most of them belong to the economically deprived groups.
MUC highlighted the efficiency of Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) using Buprenorphine and measures to address concerns such as injecting of Buprenorphine in certain districts.
The group urged for considering the need for a responsive Community Response Group (CRG) or Crisis Response Team (CRT) to address violations of user rights and inhumane treatment and advocacy for inclusivity and community involvement in the Community Strengthening System (CSS).
It mentioned the importance of “updating Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and conducting regular assessments of drug overdose risks, particularly in light of emerging substances and poly-drug use trends.”
The harm reduction program, since its inception in the 1980s, has evolved significantly, becoming a cornerstone of public health efforts in numerous countries, said the statement.
As of 2020, 86 countries have implemented harm reduction programs, primarily focused on reducing the spread of blood-borne infections associated with injecting drug use using a harm reduction approach.
According to a 2017 review published in the Lancet Global Health, injecting drug use is prevalent in 179 out of 206 countries, with high rates of HIV and hepatitis C infections among people who inject drugs, it said.
Notably, India has embraced harm reduction strategies through initiatives such as the National AIDS Control Program (NACP), particularly in regions like Manipur, which have long struggled with drug use and associated health risks, continued the statement.
The Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) has played a pivotal role in implementing and expanding harm reduction programs, with a focus on community involvement and empowerment.
“As we observe International Harm Reduction Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to evidence-based approaches that prioritize the health, dignity, and rights of all individuals affected by drug use,” read the MUC releae.
