'Harm reduction' to fight HIV/AIDS: Does it work in the Philippines?

Senate panel asks for suspension of ‘harm reduction’ program for drug users

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs has told the Department of Health (DOH) to suspend the distribution of syringes to drug users. The mechanism is part of a harm reduction program implemented at a barangay in Cebu City, in an effort to help stop the spread of diseases passed on through sharing needles, such as HIV/AIDS. Undersecretary Edgar Galvante of the Dangerous Drugs Board said the harm reduction program was not authorized.

Dr. Gerard Belimac, DOH’s HIV program manager, said a non-government organization called Population Services International is actually implementing the program while the Health Department monitors it.

Amid criticisms, Teresita Bagasao, country director of UNAIDS, defended the harm reduction program. “Harm reduction is one of the proven interventions in terms of addressing HIV and other drug-related issues,” she said.

Click here to read the full article.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.