Members of SANPUD (the South African Network of People who Use Drugs) are playing a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of people who use drugs are not only heard but actively shape the conversations that matter most. By organising peer-led forums, participating in policy consultations, and collaborating with human rights organizations, SANPUD members make sure that the lived experiences and insights of their community are brought to the forefront in discussions about drug policy, health services, and social justice. 

As a lecturer at the Division of Clinical Associates at the University of Witwatersrand, I am reminded daily that the heart of nursing is advocacy—advocacy for science, for public health, and, most crucially, for the lived experiences and dignity of those we serve. This responsibility is nowhere more urgent than in maternity care for women on the margins.  

​South Africa stands at a dangerous crossroads. The abrupt disruption to HIV and harm reduction funding is not just a financial issue—it is a matter of life and death for millions. Since the United States’ (USAID) funding cut under President Trump, South Africa faces an R8 billion shortfall in funding for HIV and AIDS, threatening over 150 NGOs, more than 15,000 health workers, and the very foundation of the country’s fight against HIV, TB, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If unaddressed, this setback will not only stall but could reverse our progress, costing lives, especially among our most vulnerable: people who use drugs (PWUD), sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people in prison.

As we approach Nurses' Day 2025, on 12 May 2025, we are hosting an inspiring opportunity for healthcare professionals across South Africa, an online workshop titled "Real-World Applications of the Pregnancy and Substance Use Toolkit." This interactive session will focus on the importance of introducing training tools to the training of nurses and healthcare providers, such as the Pregnancy and Substance Use Toolkit.

On March 3, 2025, a vital exchange took place in Cape Town between representatives from the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Technical Support Unit (TSU) and the Global Fund at the SANPUD offices. The true essence of this collaboration lies in the need for meaningful engagement between funders and beneficiaries, as it ultimately shapes how they navigate their shared mission to improve the lives of people who use drugs (PWUD).

February 2025 SANPUD successfully delivered an intensive and highly productive Interpol training at Wits University Medical Campus, marking a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and drug trafficking. This initiative did more than just educate law enforcement officials; it forged bonds between academia, health professionals, and justice stakeholders. The collaborative nature of the training underscored the critical importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex issues like GBV and trafficking.

​At the beginning of February SANPUD and its partners held Open Clinics in Gauteng and the Western Cape where approximately 300 people who use drugs accessed healthcare services in a supportive and welcoming environment. 

​Empilisweni Clinic proudly announces its inaugural PWUD Clinic Open Day on Thursday, 6 February 2025. This event marks a pivotal achievement stemming from extensive community led monitoring discussions facilitated by the South African Network of People who Use Drugs (SANPUD) 

​The initiative aims to bridge the gap between healthcare services and the local community of people who use drugs (PWUD) in the Sedibeng District Zone 7.

​On Wednesday, 05 February 2025, an important event will take place at the Chapel Street Clinic in Woodstock, Cape Town. 

​This initiative, organised by community organisations, aims to promote the integration of healthcare and social services at local level to increase coverage of people from marginalised populations. The Department of Health, SANPUD, TBHIVCare, and others are coming together to make this a reality.

​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.