​A strong grassroots-led People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) sector is essential for advocacy and harm reduction. This article highlights strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at empowering PWUD communities across multiple provinces.

In advance of the Global Fund 52nd Board Meeting, Harm Reduction International (HRI),  The South African Network of People who use drugs (SANPUD), Rumah Cemara (the national NGO working on harm reduction in Indonesia), Regional Network of Asian People Who Use Drugs (NAPUD) The Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA) and Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) are writing to share with the community of people who use drugs key harm reduction messages. 

​Informed decision-makers are essential for creating effective drug policies. Understanding harm reduction is key to this process. It empowers policymakers to develop strategies that protect public health and address the needs of people who use drugs (PWUD).
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Educating these leaders about various harm reduction approaches allows them to make evidence-based decisions that promote the well-being of PWUD. This, in turn, fosters safer communities and reduces the negative consequences associated with drug use, such as overdose and the spread of infectious diseases. Ultimately, well-informed policymakers can facilitate a supportive environment that prioritizes health over punishment, leading to better outcomes for individuals and society as a whole.

In a recent initiative led by SANPUD (South African Network of People Who Use Drugs), a series of art workshops and site visits were conducted to engage with marginalised communities, specifically people who use drugs. These activities aimed to empower individuals by harnessing their creative skills and addressing critical needs within their communities.
They form part of a visionary CDC project that aims to assist people who use drugs who are part of the TBHIV Care CDC-funded HarmLess Project. The project is situated in Ehlangzeni and Tshwane at the HarmLess drop-in centres.

In this first visit, SANPUD leadership did site visits with the Make Art Not War consultant, Andrea Schneider. The team identified the very real challenges these communities face in surviving every day, and economic opportunity is lacking, but the talent is not. Here is what happened during the visit.

Maintaining good hygiene is foundational to both physical health and mental well-being. This is particularly true for people who use drugs (PWID), a population that faces unique challenges in accessing basic amenities such as clean water and showers. Highlighting the importance of such resources cannot be overstated. ​The South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) welcomes the Belhaven Harm Reduction Centre and Viva Con Agua South Africa partnership to offer clean water and showers, a milestone that promises to significantly uplift the lives of our clients and the broader Greyville community.

​The South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) is making significant strides in empowering people who use drugs by establishing local networks that advocate for their human rights. Unlike many organisations focused solely on rehabilitation, SANPUD’s putting people first approach recognises the importance of supporting drug users in a more holistic manner, particularly in advocating for their rights and combating the discrimination they face.

​On International Harm Reduction Day, we recognise the essential role of the South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) in leading the change towards a holistic and progressive approach to reduce the harms to people who use drugs.  Standing firmly against the backdrop of an increasing trend in poly-substance use, SANPUD represents a pillar of advocacy and support within the community. 

​On 5th and 6th of April 2024, the importance of harm reduction services was showcased during a training session in Philippi and Khayelitsha, attended by Young Adolescent Girls and Young Men some with previous and current drug use history in their families or themselves. The event underscored the necessity of equipping this demographic with knowledge about harm reduction services and their application. This training was scheduled after PLHIV sector requested that the PWUD sector and SANPUD disseminate knowledge and information on Harm Reduction to Townships around the Western Cape due to the demand for harm reduction services and information.