The Crucial Role of Harm Reduction Training in Community Organisations

​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. 

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Understanding Harm Reduction
Klaas Mtshweni, the National Chairperson of the People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) Sector in South Africa and representative of SANPUD, highlighted the significance of harm reduction. He spoke about the life-saving rationale behind distributing clean needles to drug users: such practices are instrumental in curbing the transmission of deadly diseases such as HIV, STIs, tuberculosis (TB), and hepatitis C.

​Addressing Specific Needs of Women
Natalie Jacobs, the Provincial Deputy Chairperson of PWUD in the Western Cape & the Community Linkage Officer for SANPUD, tackled issues surrounding stimulant drug use, particularly among women. Julie MacDonnell, a Human Rights Consultant, contributed her expertise by discussing sexual reproductive healthcare and responding to gender-based violence. She also shed light on the unique obstacles women who use drugs encounter in accessing healthcare services.

Impact on the Community
The attendees at the session recognised the immense value of the provided information. There was a call to action for further sensitizing the community on harm reduction programmes, acknowledging how unaware many remain regarding the comprehensive nature of the approach extending beyond needle and syringe distribution to encompass prevention of diseases, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and TB prevention, including mental health support and legal aid.
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Breaking Down Stigmas
One participant emphasized the session's role in dismantling taboos and educating community members about drugs and their dangers. It was an eye-opener that the harm reduction programme also addresses inequality and empowers women, who often bear the brunt of community drug and alcohol abuse consequences.
 
 
A Call for More Training and Advocacy
Another respondent spoke to the profound impact of the session in their understanding of the risks associated with drug use and the essential nature of not discriminating against drug users, especially youth. The need for more sessions like this is apparent to combat high incident rates of substance use and related infections.
In conclusion, these sessions are not just about harm reduction but about fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Educational initiatives like this show promise in creating a ripple effect, empowering community members to spread awareness and knowledge, thereby strengthening the entire community's resilience. SIDE comment “also, for government particularly DSD and DOH to look into changing their policy