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Imphal: The need for a responsive Community Response Group (CRG) or Crisis Response Team (CRT) to address violations of user rights and inhumane treatment was stressed on the occasion of International Harm Reduction Day in Imphal today.
The world commemorated International Harm Reduction Day, a global initiative dedicated to the adoption of harm reduction approaches to drug use, which have been proven to save lives on May 7 every year.
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Harm reduction encompasses a range of policies, programs, and practices designed to minimize the negative consequences of drug use while respecting the rights of individuals and communities affected by it, said the Manipur Users Collective (MUC) in a statement.
While observing the day, it said, “Let us reaffirm our commitment to evidence-based approaches that prioritize the health, dignity, and rights of all individuals affected by drug use”.
Pointing out that Manipur is one of the states in the northeast region of India which has been long struggling with drug use and associated health risks, the collective highlighted several key areas for consideration by state health authorities.
Among others, it highlighted the need for an effective syringe exchange program to reduce the harm associated with injecting drug use while stressing the need for comparative studies to evaluate their impact.
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The efficiency of Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) using Buprenorphine and measures to address concerns such as injecting Buprenorphine in certain districts were also highlighted.
While stressing the need for a responsive Community Response Group (CRG) or Crisis Response Team (CRT) to address violations of user rights and inhumane treatment, it also urged advocacy for inclusivity and community involvement in the Community Strengthening System (CSS).
It also highlighted 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 as the key area for consideration by state health authorities.
The MUC asserted that since its inception in the 1980s, harm reduction has evolved significantly, becoming a cornerstone of public health efforts in numerous countries.
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As of 2020, 86 countries have implemented harm reduction programs, primarily focused on reducing the spread of blood-borne infections associated with injectable 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.
Additionally, with the ticking time bomb, hepatitis B infection among IDUs has been increasing, it said.
India, notably, has embraced harm reduction strategies through initiatives such as the National AIDS Control Program (NACP), particularly in regions like Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland which have long struggled with drug use and associated health risks.
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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, it added.
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