From September 9 to 13, 2024, the second module of the Harm Reduction Academy took place in Mombasa, Kenya. Participants from various parts of the world had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and gain practical experience in monitoring and evaluating harm reduction programs.
Over the course of five intensive days, participants explored the following topics in depth:
Theory of Change: The foundation for designing effective harm reduction programs.
Modern Monitoring and Evaluation Tools: Methods to measure the effectiveness of programs.
Research Methods: Approaches to assessing the impact of interventions and developing program implementation strategies.
In addition to the theoretical component, participants were introduced to local initiatives in Kenya, including:
Drug Situation in the Region: Analysis and approaches to working with people who use drugs.
Opioid Substitution Therapy Programs: Effective methods for treating addiction.
Case Management: Integration of HIV and Hepatitis C prevention and treatment.
The practical experience gained allowed participants to better understand how these programs operate at the community level and to identify the most effective methods for combating epidemics. The knowledge they acquired was applied to the context of their own countries, helping to identify challenges and outline necessary initiatives in the harm reduction field.
The eighth cycle of the Academy welcomed 16 participants from Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Nigeria, and representatives from Front Line Aids. The first module of the program took place in Georgia with the expert facilitation of Mat Southwell, an expert in HIV, drug use, and harm reduction with over 30 years of experience.
The Harm Reduction Academy is a global initiative aimed at addressing the epidemics of AIDS and Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. The six-month course consists of three one-week in-person modules, including specialized lectures, practical workshops, and field visits to countries with leading harm reduction practices.
For more information: https://aph.org.ua/uk/nasha-robota/svit/akademiya-zmenshennya-shkody/
