Harm reduction situation in the MENA region

A new video produced by MENHARA documents the current status of harm reduction in the Middle East and North Africa region. The video utilises a cartoon named Ahmad who highlights the successful needle-syringe exchange and substitution therapy programs that have been created to reduce harm in the area. However, while acknowledging the positives of these measures, Ahmad notes that the rest of the region still needs to take action and implement similar policies and programs. Instead, war, political unrest, stigmatisation, and criminalisation have prevented drug users from obtaining the services and care they need. In order to overcome these obstacles, countries must commit politically to creating better policies and supporting the PWUD community instead of resorting to punishment.