International

Afghanistan

The health and security situation in the country worsened considerably in 2008, with the intensification of fighting between insurgents and Afghan and international forces. In this situation, access to healthcare for the most vulnerable groups remains very difficult. This is particularly the case for drug users, of whom there are an estimated 1 million, and amongst whom MdM is running a harm reduction programme.

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Harm reduction programme for drug users The health and security situation in the country worsened considerably in 2008, with the intensification of fighting between insurgents and Afghan and international forces. In this situation, access to healthcare for the most vulnerable groups remains very difficult. This is particularly the case for drug users, of whom there are an estimated 1 million, and amongst whom MdM is running a harm reduction programme. INFANT MORTALITY 257‰ LIFE EXPECTANCY 42.9 HDI NC GDP/CAPITA ($) NC

Activities

With 90% of the opium sold in the world produced in Afghanistan, domestic consumption is growing. In 2009, there were an estimated 1.5 million people using drugs, mostly in Kabul. The number of heroin injectors is growing exponentially and this is the major mode of transmission for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. These drug users face, among other things, repressive policies and discrimination in terms of accessing healthcare.

Harm reduction programme to tackle AIDS and viral hepatitis

Kabul - Long term

ACTIVITIES Since 2006, MdM has been developing an ambitious programme of harm reduction. The first part of this includes prevention and access to primary healthcare and to treatment. The second part of the project concentrates on a resource and training centre for local actors involved in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. More than 230 drug users have benefited from weekly health monitoring at this health centre. In May 2009, MdM prescribed the first antiretroviral treatments in the country and set up the first self-help groups for people living with HIV/AIDS. From March 2010, the first methadone treatment was dispensed in partnership with the health authorities. RESULTS 110,000 syringes have been distributed, 70 people treated with methadone and six received antiretroviral treatments. 49 local NGO members were trained in harm reduction. OUTLOOK MdM will support the creation of an independent Afghan organisation involved in harm reduction.		Life expectancy : 44,6 yrs IDH : 0.349 ; rang: 155/169 *
		Population
		Personnel Local: 39 Expatriate : 3
		Co-ordinators : Programme : Guy Caussé, Olivier Maguet Field : Olivier Vandecasteele HQ: Valérie Brunel
		Budget 2010: €653,807 Funding : World Bank, Global Fund, Sidaction, WHO, UNAIDS, UNODC, MdM

_{November 2011}

Afghanistan

Harm reduction programme to tackle AIDS and viral hepatitis

ACTIVITIES

RESULTS

OUTLOOK