International Harm Reduction Day
Photo by NEXT Distro on Unsplash
May 7 is internationally dedicated to raising awareness of harm reduction initiatives that seek to minimise the harm and negative impacts of drugs, drug policy and drug use. 2013 was the first year that evidence-based public health policies, practices and human rights were internationally recognised and promoted by the introduction of International Harm Reduction Day. Now, 11-years on, Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa has been formed to uplift, promote and raise awareness of the need for harm reduction advancements in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Internationally, drug harm reduction services are diverse and varied, and number in the thousands. Harm Reduction International, identify needle and syringe programs operating in 92 countries where people may obtain new injecting equipment, 16 countries which have safe consumption spaces where people may use drugs under the supervision of trained professionals and peers, and overdose may be intercepted before it is fatal, 87 countries that offer opioid agonist therapy for people who no longer want to access a street supply of opioids but continue to depend on opioids, and 105 countries advocating harm reduction in their national policies.
We know harm reduction initiatives can be successful; in 1988 Aotearoa was the first country in the world to introduce a national needle and syringe distribution programs and now deliver several million new needles annually – now we have an extremely low prevalence of HIV per capita by international standards. In order to reduce the risk of overdose and death from contaminated and unknown street drugs in 2021 New Zealand became the first country in the world to legalise drug checking.
Despite these significant but isolated successes, New Zealand needs more harm reduction initiatives that are evidence-based, grounded in human rights, and aim to dispel stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs and their whanau. There is still no safe supply or consumption site, no safer smoking kit distribution, limited naloxone distribution, no Good Samaritan law, no harm reduction programs for people in prisons.
Harm reduction laws are already pervasive throughout our society:
Food must be properly labeled and prepared to protect people from illness and allergens.
People boating are legally required to have life jackets onboard.
Drivers must wear seat belts to reduce the harm which could occur in a car crash
Prohibition is not about harm reduction. Prohibition is a tool used to oppress minority groups and enrich corporations, legal and criminal. By putting the brakes on the experiment of prohibition, we can enshrine harm reduction principles into New Zealand’s drug laws and greatly benefit our society as a whole. Through the introduction of a safe supply of all drugs, sensible regulation, public education, and effective drug health services, we can build an Aotearoa where drugs are respected and understood and their harms are minimised. Kia kaha Aotearoa!
