AEGiS-14IAC: Harm reduction Networks.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Harm reduction Networks.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. MoOrD1066)

Batista SR, Inchaurraga S, Castano GA, Osimani ML, Fresco M, Hurtado J, Flores P, Ramos ME
RELARD, Curitiba, Brazil

ISSUE: The importance of constructing networks to strengthen harm reduction actions in Latin America.

DESCRIPTION: Latin America is the third region in the world in cases of HIV/AIDS. However, differently from other regions where the infection occurs mainly through sexual exposure, the Latin American profile, especially in the south, is characterized by the use injecting-drugs. The minimization of the impact of the epidemic depends largely on harm reduction actions. In 1998, this need spawned the foundation of the Latin-American Harm Reduction Network - RELARD . Its mission is to promote harm reduction actions related to drug use, having as its priority the prevention of HIV/AIDS while observing milestones of public health, human rights and citizenship in Latin America. The advocacy actions have been important in opening a new vision on drug use and users, seeking this user's decriminalization, thus allowing a better effectiveness of preventive strategies towards not only the abusive use of drugs but also HIV/AIDS. No less important are the discussions about the strategies on the war against drug trafficking and its efficiency. The 'Colombia' plan has been the subject of countless debates and its evaluation makes the search of other strategies that are more coherent and integrated with the local reality possible. Learned lessons: Successful experiences, such as the Brazilian one, have been inciting actions in other countries. Moreover, the support obtained through the construction of networks strengthens the movement and assures the legitimacy of the protagonism.

RECOMMENDATIONS: it is important to differentiate non-governmental organizations that simply act as hired parties to fill in governmental deficiencies that are due to a neoliberal administration from the performance of this network that takes the role of a social control agent.

Keywords: AEGIS, Harm Reduction, Substance Abuse, Intravenous, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Social Support, Substance-Related Disorders, Public Health, Disease Outbreaks, Public Policy, Research, Politics, Brazil, Colombia, Latin America, Human

020707
MoOrD1066