Guwahati: Emphasising the efficacy of harm reduction policies and initiatives in saving the lives of drug addicts all over the world, a drug users’ welfare body of Manipur urged the state health authorities to mull over and strengthen aspects towards the matter on the occasion of the “International Harm Reduction Day” on Tuesday.
The drug users’ welfare body, Manipur Users Collective (MUC), in a statement, drew the attention of the government to the usefulness of syringe exchange programmes in reducing the harm related to drug abuse by injecting and the urgent need for studies to assess its impact on the drug addicts.
As per research, Manipur has nearly one lakh drug addicts, which includes around 50,000 Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), with a majority of them being economically weak.
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The MUC underscored the effectiveness of Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) using Buprenorphine, a synthetic drug used to treat pain, and the measures to address pressing concerns like drug abuse by injecting in some districts of the Northeast state.
The MUC urged to consider the need for a reactive Community Response Group (CRG) or Crisis Response Team (CRT) to address violations of the user rights and unkind treatment and advocacy for inclusivity and involvement of concerned groups in the Community Strengthening System (CSS).
The MUC highlighted the importance of updating Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials and conducting regular evaluation of drug overdose risks among the users, especially in the wake of emerging narcotic and poly-drug use trends.
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The harm reduction programme since its inception in the 1980s has evolved significantly, becoming a cornerstone of public health efforts in numerous countries.
As of 2020, 86 countries have implemented harm reduction programmes, primarily focused on reducing the spread of blood-borne diseases associated with drug abuse by injecting, adopting a harm reduction approach.
According to a 2017 review, injecting drug use is prevalent in 179 out of 206 countries, with high rates of contraction of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C among the addicts who inject drugs.
Notably, India has adopted harm reduction strategies through initiatives including the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), particularly in Manipur, which has long struggled with drug abuse and its associated health risks.
The Manipur State AIDS Control Society has played a pivotal role in implementing and expanding harm reduction programmes, with a focus on community involvement and empowerment.
“As we observe the “International Harm Reduction Day,” let us reaffirm our commitment to evidence-based approaches that prioritise the health, dignity and rights of all individuals affected by drug abuse,” the MUC said in the statement.