Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Association

26/08/2026

GI-TOC Grant Progress Update: Strengthening Peer-Led DEWS

We are pleased to share a progress update on the implementation of the Drug Early Warning System (DEWS) under the support of the GI-TOC Resilience Fund.

AHRA continues to work closely with our implementing partners to strengthen a peer-led and community-driven approach to monitoring emerging drug trends, risks, and harms across the region.

Through regular coordination meetings and progress discussions with our partners, we are reviewing the progress of DEWS implementation, sharing experiences and lessons learned, discussing challenges, and identifying opportunities to strengthen data collection, analysis, communication, and community response.

The peer-led DEWS approach is designed to ensure that the knowledge and experiences of people who use drugs and frontline communities are recognised as an essential source of information. By strengthening community capacity to identify emerging risks and share timely information, the system can support more responsive harm reduction interventions and help communities better protect their health and wellbeing.

We are grateful to all our implementing partners for their continued commitment, collaboration, and valuable contributions to this important work. Their local knowledge, community connections, and leadership are central to the progress of DEWS.

We would also like to sincerely acknowledge the support of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) Resilience Fund, which makes this work possible and supports community-led responses to emerging drug-related harms in Southeast Asia.

Together, we are working towards stronger, more connected, and resilient community-led harm reduction systems across the region.

26/08/2026

Progress Update: Hepatitis Education Digital Platform

We’re pleased to share an exciting progress update from our collaboration with the Zabai team on AHRA’s digital hepatitis education platform.

We recently had a productive meeting with the Zabai team to review the progress of the Hepatitis Education Mobile App, which is being developed to improve access to reliable hepatitis information, reduce stigma, and support people in navigating testing and care services.

The platform is being designed with communities at the centre. It will provide accessible, multilingual and patient-friendly information on hepatitis A–E, prevention, testing and treatment, together with a non-diagnostic self-screening tool, service directory, and FAQ-based chatbot to help users find trusted information and appropriate services.

During the meeting, we reviewed the progress of the app, discussed the next steps, and shared feedback to ensure that the platform remains practical, accessible and responsive to the needs of people who use drugs, migrants, young people and other underserved communities.

We are grateful to the Zabai team for their continued collaboration, creativity and commitment to turning this vision into a practical digital tool for community health.

We would also like to sincerely thank CDA Foundation and the ALLIES programme for their generous support, which is making this initiative possible. Your investment in patient-centred health education and community-led solutions is helping us explore new ways to strengthen hepatitis awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to information and care across Southeast Asia.

This is an important step towards strengthening digital health literacy and community-led hepatitis awareness across the region. We look forward to continuing this journey and sharing further updates as the platform develops.

31/07/2026

Progress amidst uncertainty and a potentially historic opening for harm reduction.

IDPC’s excellent report on the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs provides an important account of a rapidly changing global drug policy environment.

For the second consecutive year, every CND resolution was adopted through a vote. The long-standing “Vienna consensus” is increasingly giving way to more open political disagreement. While this brings greater uncertainty and polarisation, it may also reduce the power of a small number of states to dilute or block more progressive proposals.

One particularly significant development was the adoption of Resolution L.6, tabled by Finland and Norway, which included two supportive references to harm reduction. This is only the second time the term has appeared in a CND resolution. Although the language remains heavily qualified, this could represent an important step towards normalising harm reduction within the international drug control system.

The report also highlights several deeply concerning developments:

• renewed calls for militarised and repressive responses to drugs;

• growing tensions between UNODC and the UN human rights system;

• continuing barriers to access to controlled medicines;

• severe financial pressure across the UN system; and

• shrinking resources for meaningful civil society participation.

Once again, civil society played a critical role in bringing human rights, public health and politically sensitive realities into discussions that many governments preferred to avoid.

The emerging post-consensus environment is therefore not automatically progressive. It creates political space but how that space is used will depend on sustained leadership from reform-minded governments, civil society, communities of people who use drugs, harm reduction networks and human rights institutions.

Essential reading from "Adrià Cots Fernández and the International Drug Policy Consortium":

Progress amidst uncertainty: Report of the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

https://idpc.net/publications/2026/07/progress-amidst-uncertainty-report-of-the-69th-session-of-the-un-commission-on-narcotic-drugs

IDPC discusses the Commission's post-consensus 'new normal' and how it creates opportunities for progress on harm reduction and reform amid growing divisions and threats to rights.

09/07/2026

Acknowledging a Generous Contribution

AHRA sincerely thanks the same anonymous donor for a further generous contribution of USD 10,000 in support of our ongoing regional work.

This timely contribution will help strengthen AHRA's organizational sustainability and enable us to continue advancing community-led harm reduction, technical assistance, capacity strengthening, and regional advocacy across Southeast Asia.

We are deeply grateful for this meaningful investment in our mission and for the trust and confidence placed in AHRA. We remain committed to the responsible stewardship of all resources and to transparent reporting in line with our governance and accountability standards.

Together, we continue working towards a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future for our communities.

With our sincere gratitude.

26/06/2026

26 June: From Punishment to Public Health

For decades, 26 June has been observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking- a name and narrative that no longer reflect the evidence, public health, or human rights.

Around the world, communities, health professionals, and civil society are reclaiming this day through the Support. Don't Punish. campaign, calling for policies that prioritize health, dignity, and inclusion over punishment.

Encouragingly, Ireland has taken an important step forward. A cross-party parliamentary committee has recommended:
• Decriminalization of possession for personal use
• Expansion of harm reduction services
• Evidence-based treatment and care
• A public health approach to drug policy

This demonstrates that meaningful reform is possible when policy is guided by evidence rather than ideology.

At the Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Association (AHRA), we believe effective drug policies should put people first:
• Health over punishment
• Harm reduction over stigma
• Human rights over criminalization
• Support, dignity, and inclusion for all

On this 26 June, we stand with colleagues worldwide in supporting evidence-informed, compassionate, and rights-based responses that improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Support. Don't Punish. Because health and human rights matter.
Read about the Irish roadmap here:
https://www.irishstar.com/news/ireland-news/irish-government-drugs-decriminalised-possession-37343409

25/06/2026

26 June: Advancing Health, Human Rights, and Harm Reduction

Today, AHRA stands in solidarity with communities, networks, and partners across Southeast Asia advocating for health, dignity, human rights, and evidence-based approaches for people who use drugs.

The photos featured in this post highlight activities organized by our partner, KHANA Cambodia, in commemoration of 26 June and their ongoing commitment to community health, human rights, and harm reduction.

On 26 June, we reaffirm our commitment to harm reduction, meaningful community engagement, and policies that prioritize health, well-being, and social inclusion. We recognize the vital contributions of community-led organizations and peer networks that continue to provide essential services, reduce barriers to healthcare, and promote the rights of affected communities.

Lasting change is achieved when policies and programs are grounded in compassion, evidence, and respect for human dignity. Together, we can build healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities where everyone has access to the support and services they need.

18/06/2026

Strengthening Community Resilience Through Regional Collaboration

AHRA was honored to participate in the Asia-Pacific Regional Resilience Dialogue held on 16–17 June 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, organized by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC).

Together with our implementing partners, KHANA (Cambodia) and CHIAs (Lao PDR), AHRA engaged in two days of learning, dialogue, and exchange with Resilience Fund partners from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The dialogue provided valuable opportunities to deepen our understanding of community resilience, holistic security, risk assessment, coalition building, and approaches to strengthening community responses in complex and evolving environments.
AHRA, KHANA, and CHIAs actively contributed to discussions from public health, human rights, harm reduction, and community perspectives, highlighting the importance of community-led responses, access to health services, dignity, inclusion, and evidence-based approaches that support the wellbeing of affected communities.

Beyond the technical discussions, the dialogue served as an important platform for peer learning, knowledge exchange, and networking. We learned from the experiences, challenges, and innovative approaches of organizations working across diverse contexts while identifying opportunities for future collaboration and collective action.

The interactive sessions reinforced the importance of community leadership, regional cooperation, and cross-sector partnerships in building resilient, healthier, and more inclusive communities throughout Southeast Asia.

AHRA extends its sincere appreciation to Louise, Kristina, Yada, Tyler, Radha, the facilitators, speakers, and the entire GI-TOC team for creating such an engaging and inclusive platform for learning and exchange. We also acknowledge the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Government, whose support helps strengthen community resilience initiatives across the Mekong region.

We look forward to strengthening these new connections and continuing to work alongside partners across Asia and the Pacific to advance community resilience, public health, human rights, and harm reduction.

18/06/2026

Happy Pride Month from AHRA!

This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, diversity, and contributions of LGBTQI+ communities across Southeast Asia and beyond.

At AHRA, we believe that everyone deserves access to health, dignity, safety, and human rights without stigma, discrimination, or barriers. We recognize that LGBTQI+ individuals often face intersecting challenges that affect their access to healthcare, harm reduction services, social protection, and justice. This includes addressing the health and wellbeing needs associated with sexualized drug use (chemsex) through evidence-based, non-judgmental, and community-led support services.

We stand in solidarity with LGBTQI+ communities and reaffirm our commitment to promoting inclusive, community-led, and rights-based approaches that leave no one behind.

Pride is more than a celebration, it is a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusion, and respect for all.

Together, let us build healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities where everyone can live with dignity and pride.

15/06/2026

We are happy to announce that the Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Association (AHRA) is starting a new project called “Building Community Resilience in Mekong Communities.” We would like to say thank you to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) for their support.

Supported by GI-TOC through the MNET-CTC initiative, this project allows AHRA to bring important public health, harm reduction, and right-to-health ideas to regional talks in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Our focus is on supporting youth leadership, peer-led early-warning systems, and community support. By joining this regional network, AHRA is committed to making sure that the dignity, rights, and health of affected communities especially people who use/inject drugs are part of every conversation.

This success shows the hard work of our peer networks, partners, and youth leaders working together to build safer and healthier communities in the Mekong region. We are very grateful to GI-TOC for this opportunity, and we look forward to working with them and our regional partners to support health-first approaches.

11/06/2026

Exciting Announcement from AHRA

We are proud to share that the Southeast Asia Harm Reduction Association (AHRA) has been selected for the ALLIES RFP-CDAF-2025 grant and will be implementing the project!

This marks an important milestone in our mission to strengthen community-led health systems and improve liver health literacy across Southeast Asia.

Through this initiative, we will develop a multilingual digital hepatitis education platform (MVP) that will:
📌 Improve access to accurate hepatitis A–E information
📌 Reduce stigma and discrimination
📌 Support anonymous self-learning and service navigation
📌 Connect communities to local testing and care services
📌 Empower people who use drugs, migrants, youth, and other marginalized groups

This work reflects AHRA’s commitment to patient-centered, rights-based, and community-driven health solutions across Southeast Asia.

We are grateful to our partners, community networks, and supporters who continue to make this work possible.

Together, we move closer to a region where health information is accessible, stigma is reduced, and no one is left behind.