Eurasian Harm Reduction Network - EHRN Eurasian Harm Reduction Network (EHRN) / Евразийская сеть снижения вреда (ЕССВ)

The Voice of Harm Reduction, Opioid Substitution Therapy Issue, May 2013
May 21, 2013
In anticipation of the upcoming International Harm Reduction Conference, which will be held on 9-12 June 2013 in Vilnius Lithuania, EHRN presents an edition of the EHRN newsletter specifically highlighting the issues related to opioid substitution therapy (OST) in the region of Central/ Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA), which will be one of the key topics at the conference. In the newsletter you will find editorial note by Dr. Emilis Subata (Founder of EHRN and Director of Vilnius Center for Addictive Disorders), an overview of the situation with coverage, access and funding for OST as well as recommendations for improvement. Regional highlights include experiences of implementation of OST programs from several CEECA countries; “Being heard” features a personal reflection of community representative about the situation in Russia.

Harm reduction Harm reduction encompasses strategies and interventions based on public health and human rights aimed at the reduction of negative consequences of drug use, including transmissions of infection, mortality and others.	Drug policy Drug policies should be designed to promote the health, welfare, and rights of people who use drugs and the communities they live in and be based on evidence of effectiveness and cost effectiveness.	Opioid substitution therapy Substitution treatment is a drug dependency treatment option which has proven to reduce HIV transmission, improve adherence to ARV drugs, reduce overdose mortality and support social integration.

Hepatitis C	Prisons	HIV
Overdose	Special groups	Stigma & discrimination

Harm reduction