UNODC stresses on harm reduction measures to combat HIV

Kolkata, Apr 12 (UNI) There has been a spurt in cases of HIV among drug abusers in SAARC countries over the last two decades, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

To combat the twin epidemics of HIV and drug abuse, the HIV/AIDS controlling authorities in these countries have introduced 'harm reduction' measures like needle-syringe and oral substitution programmes for injecting drug users (IDUs).

Talking to UNI here last night, UNDOC programme associate Kunal Kishore said these interventions not only reduce the risk of HIV but also treat the IDUs.

''UNODC had termed these measures as 'harm reduction'. These have been endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV (UNAIDS),'' Mr Kishore said.

However, these measures have been often challenged as not falling within the bounds of narcotics or penal laws, he added.

According to UNODC the treatment options provided through such programmes enable the IUDs to take control of their circumstances and adopt protective measures.

''It also averts immediate harms and prevents the IUDs to overcome their addiction in long term,'' Mr Kishore said.

The 'Legal and Policy concerns related to IDU Harm Reduction in SAARC countries' report released here on Tuesday by Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes, who is also the convenor of Parliamentary Forum on AIDS, examines the interface between law and IDU harm reduction practices in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

It also suggests potential measures to harmonise IDU harm reduction with law and reviews the international and regional drug conventions, country-specific laws, policies and programmes on drug use and HIV.

Mr Fernandes said despite narcotics laws proscribe inter alia possession, use and supply of prohibited drugs with stringent penalties no country had witnessed a diminution in drug use.

According to the report, interventions to reduce risk of HIV transmission among drug abusers have been initiated by NGOs in several countries including India.

The report documents statutory hurdles to IDU harm reduction in all countries.

Provision of sterile syringes to IDUs is open to prosecution under penal and narcotics law as abetment of drug consumption.

Though punishable, most country laws allow consumption of prohibited drugs strictly for medical reasons.

UNI