NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS’ CONSULTATION MEETING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HARM REDUCTION LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN NIGERIA.

YouthRISE Nigeria, with the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining harm reduction program in Nigeria. YouthRISE Nigeria with funding support from the Elton John Foundation collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health to hold a national stakeholders' consultation in Abuja on the 15th of August, on the need for a legal framework for harm reduction implementation in Nigeria.

In a statement by the Executive Director, Fisayo Alao-Amiola of YouthRISE Nigeria, it was emphasized that the goal of the meeting was to develop a national roadmap for establishing a supportive legal framework that ensures the expansion and sustainability of harm reduction programs in Nigeria.

The meeting had key stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies such as persons from the National Assembly and the Director of Public Health, along with participants from Civil society organizations, UNODC, UNAIDS, and implementing partners. Discussions were guided by a comprehensive landscape Legal and Policy Assessment Report on Harm Reduction and HIV programs among People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) in Nigeria, conducted by YouthRISE Nigeria.

The Director of the Department of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health emphasized that developing a roadmap for a legal framework to sustain harm reduction is a vital step that requires broad support and contributions. He stated: “Developing a roadmap for a legal framework to sustain harm reduction is a critical step that requires the buy-in and contributions of everyone to ensure that the gains of the program are preserved and scaled up across the country.”

The Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, who also chairs the National Technical Working Group on Harm Reduction in Nigeria, expressed his commitment to the process.

Other stakeholders in attendance emphasized the significance of the consultation in advancing public health objectives, including Nigeria’s commitment to ending the epidemics of AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and other viral infectious diseases by 2030, particularly among people who use or inject drugs.

The consultation ended with the development of a comprehensive and strategic roadmap to establish a legal framework for sustaining harm reduction in Nigeria. With clear timelines and responsibilities now in place, YouthRISE Nigeria, national and international partners will be working towards the implementation of the roadmap which is critical to ensuring long-term support for harm reduction in Nigeria.

SOURCE: YouthRISE Nigeria