𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐛 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

12/10/2026

Strengthening Peer-Led Responses for People Who Use Drugs!

On 8 October 2026, the PWUD Sector contributed to a capacity-building training for Community Orientated Substance Use Programme (COSUP) peer educators at Kalafong Hospital, Tshwane, organised by UNODC.

Our National Chairperson, Klaas Mtshweni, was one of the facilitators alongside Julie Mac Donnell, UNODC Independent Consultant.

The training focused on strengthening peer-led responses through improved access to Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST/MAT), Needle and Syringe Programmes (NSP), overdose prevention and response, and addressing barriers to healthcare services.

The engagement reinforced the importance of empowering peers, strengthening community-led services and promoting the health, dignity and rights of people who use drugs.

Meaningful PWUD participation is essential to effective and inclusive health responses!

07/10/2026

DAY 2 | KEY POPULATIONS HEALTH SECTOR PLAN REVIEW

Day 2 of the Key Populations Health Sector Plan Review Meeting is underway in Pretoria, with the PWUD Sub-Sector Chairperson continuing to represent the sector in this important national process.

Today’s discussions focus on health financing, access to essential medicines and technologies, harm reduction commodities, health information systems, and the monitoring and evaluation framework.

✊🏾 We continue to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of PWUD voices and priorities in national health planning.

Nothing about us, without us.

06/10/2026

Today, the PWUD Sub-Sector participated in the Gauteng PEPFAR Program Transition Roundtable, convened by the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg.

The engagement brought together key stakeholders to discuss the PEPFAR programme transition and its planned conclusion by 31 March 2027, including considerations for the continuity and sustainability of critical health services.

The PWUD Sub-Sector was represented by Nombulelo Mkhuma, National Third Deputy Chairperson, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of people who use drugs remain part of these important transition discussions.

06/10/2026

The PWUD Sector is represented at the SANAC Civil Society Forum (CSF) 2-Day Meeting, taking place from 6–7 October 2026 at the Holiday Inn OR Tambo International Airport.

The meeting brings together civil society leadership and key stakeholders to engage on governance, the National Strategic Plan, Global Fund processes and other priorities affecting communities.

Reginald Kgoedi, First Deputy Chairperson of the PWUD Sector, is in attendance, ensuring that the voices, priorities and interests of People Who Use Drugs are represented in these important national discussions.

Meaningful representation matters. PWUD voices belong at the table where decisions are made.

06/10/2026

KEY POPULATIONS HEALTH SECTOR PLAN | REVIEW MEETING

The PWUD Sub-Sector Chairperson is in attendance at the Key Populations Health Sector Plan Review Meeting, taking place in Pretoria from 6–7 October 2026.

The meeting brings together key stakeholders to strengthen and finalise the Health Sector Plan, with discussions covering leadership, service delivery, peer integration, health financing, access to essential medicines and harm reduction commodities, and monitoring and evaluation.

Ensuring that the voices and priorities of people who use drugs are represented in national health planning.

Nothing about us, without us.

21/09/2026

Nine women. Nine devastating discoveries. A timeline that reflects a growing concern for the safety of women in our communities.

Behind every date is a life, a family and a story. We remember the women who have been lost, stand with their loved ones, and call for safer communities where women can live without fear.

May their stories never become just another statistic.

18/09/2026

Around 80% of the HR27 programme will be selected through this open call for abstracts, making your submission central to the conversations that will take place in Belfast. Share your work! Submit your abstract before 30 September.

https://hr27.hri.global/call-for-abstracts/

18/09/2026