Harm reduction programme amongst drug users

Location: Chengdu

Situation:

China’s economic performance cannot mask the social inequalities within the country. Natural disasters and the damage caused by industry weaken those who have been overlooked by economic growth, particularly in the western provinces and in the countryside. Discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (almost one million people according to UNICEF) and the lack of awareness about the epidemic hinder the effectiveness of humanitarian organisations work.

Activities:

The project began at the end of 2002 in partner-ship with the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) in Chengdu. The first phase saw the implementation in three voluntary detox centres of awareness, information and education activities on preventing HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C and on harm reduction aimed at drug users and centre staff, but also at the medical, administrative and political authorities. The new project, started at the beginning of November 2005, plans to open three drop-in centres gradually in different districts. Each will welcome users and provide information, basic hygiene services and a needle exchange programme (in the centre and on the street with peers). At the same time, awareness, information, prevention and education activities will be carried out amongst staff, drop-in centre volunteers and the medical, administrative and political authorities. These activities should mean that a network focused on harm reduction amongst drug users can be set up in the districts concerned, and that the people and the authorities will start to have a different image of users in their minds.

Outlook:

The challenges for 2007:
• Opening two further drop-in centres in Chengdu;
• Working on the streets and identifying peer educators;
• Training medical staff, volunteers and disseminating information to the Public Security forces of the districts concerned to ensure the work can continue.

Project start date: July 2005

End date: December 2008