The International Federation HIV/AIDS Policy, 2002, approved by the Governing Board, provides a framework to support National Societies in the implementation of HIV/AIDS related activities. It states, “Guided by sound public health and humanitarian principles, promote and where appropriate facilitate harm reduction strategies for high risk behaviours and traditional practices, including advocacy for law reform as necessary”.

The Asian Red Cross and Red Crescent AIDS Network (ART) was established in 1994 in response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Asia Pacific. The purpose of the network was to promote national society participation in HIV/AIDS activities, and to ensure inter-country collaboration on HIV/AIDS activities. ART proved highly successful and today all national societies have HIV/AIDS activities effectively drawing upon experiences and lessons learnt from one country to another. ART is a network of 14 national societies in East and Southeast Asia with a shared vision and mission.

The purpose of this document is to outline the rationale for harm reduction programmes. It outlines generic approaches that National Societies can adapt to the realities of their countries in the development and implementation of harm reduction programme and in conducting advocacy for the acceptance and realization such programmes.

This IFRC Health Advocacy Report depicts the stark reality of what it means to be an injecting drug user and living with HIV. It examines the prevention, treatment, care and support needs of this most at-risk population and the IFRC’s response to their plight. It also offers National Societies and the reader an advocacy tool that can be used for years to come. The aim? To remind governments and National Societies of the obligation to respect the human rights of injecting drug users at risk of, or living with, HIV. Although our focus is global, we place a special emphasis on Eastern Europe and Central Asia where the situation is becoming increasingly dire.