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2 papers on PRIMEX pilot harm reduction project presented at international confab in Thailand |
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Posted on 8 May 2009 Two presentation abstracts highlighting PRIMEX’s innovations in harm reduction (HR) among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Zamboanga City were among the 500 papers presented during the 20th International Harm Reduction Association Conference in Bangkok last 20-23 April 2009. RETA 6321 Team Leader Dr. Vicente Salas presented a paper entitled, "Family Support Groups and IDU Support Groups - -Innovations for HIV Prevention Work in the Philippines," which documented how a pilot project supplemented existing peer education efforts with the establishment of outreach posts and organization of IDU support groups as well as family support groups. During a poster session, another paper, "Local Policy Development for IDU and HR efforts in Zamboanga City, Philippines" was presented by Dr. Rodel Agbulos, Zamboanga City Health Officer. It showcased the process of holding advocacy meetings with the local multisectoral AIDS council in Zamboanga, and the review of the city’s AIDS prevention ordinance which resulted in the development of the strategic plan for the prevention and control of AIDS in the city for 2008 – 2012. Dr. Salas received a partial scholarship from the conference organizers, while Dr. Agbulos’ participation was sponsored by the World Health Organization- Western Pacific Region Office (WHO-WPRO). The pilot project in Zamboanga City was one of several activities implemented under the ADB Regional Technical Assistance for Fighting HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific - Subproject 5: Strengthening Country Response to HIV/AIDS among High-Risk Groups (RETA 6321), implemented by PRIMEX in association with Remedios AIDS Foundation and ACHIEVE. It aims to improve the policy environment for the implementation of HR initiatives in the city, enhance the capacity of service providers to give psychosocial support to current IDUs and their families and communities, improve access of IDUs to services through the HR outreach posts, and sustain safe injecting and sexual practices among current IDUs through participation in support groups. (Arvin Yana /PRIMEX) |
