Harm Reduction Zambia-Network

10/12/2025

Today as we mark International Human Rights Day let's keep reminding ourselves that dignity, respect and safety belong to everyone regardless of you social, economical, religious or political affiliation. People who use drugs continue to face stigma, punishment and barriers to health, and this must change. Harm reduction is about restoring rights, offering support instead of judgment, and ensuring our laws and services protect rather than punish. We call on leaders and communities to stand with those most affected by discrimination and exclusion. Protecting rights protects lives.

02/12/2025

Harm Reduction Zambia Network Calls for End to Punitive Drug Policies on World AIDS Day

By Fulman Mukobeko

Harm Reduction Zambia Network (HRZN) Executive Director, Desmond Sakala, states that drug users are among the most marginalized in society, making it difficult for them to access proper healthcare. Speaking on World AIDS Day, Mr. Sakala noted that punitive drug policies criminalize, stigmatize, and marginalize people who use drugs, excluding them from healthcare services.

"People who use drugs are the most marginalized. Instead of being supported, they are punished. Instead of being welcomed in healthcare, they are pushed out due to discrimination and stigma," he said.

Mr. Sakala argued that punitive drug policies do not protect or help society, but rather deepen vulnerability and fuel HIV infections. He emphasized that drug use is a health issue, not a criminal matter, and that drug policy should focus on saving lives, upholding human rights, and dignity.

He cited effective harm reduction strategies, such as needle and syringe programs, PrEP, and peer support, which reduce HIV infections and help people rebuild their lives. "Harm Reduction is not a slogan, but a lifeline. It means meeting people where they are without judgment. It means offering healthcare, counseling, and dignity instead of punishment," he said.

Mr. Sakala called on the government, donors, and civil society organizations to advocate for laws that support people who use drugs and to fully implement harm reduction strategies in Zambia. He emphasized the need to invest in community-led programs that empower peer educators and navigators, build trust, and make healthcare accessible without fear, stigma, or discrimination.

The theme for this year's World AIDS Day is "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response." Mr. Sakala's speech was entitled "Ending punitive drug policies, advancing harm reduction."

26/06/2025

Today is the day Zambia and the world commemorates the international Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
This year’s theme is clear: "Invest in Prevention" But prevention doesn’t mean punishment.

In Zambia, our laws still rely on criminalization to respond to drug use even when global evidence shows that this approach fuels societal and self stigma, overcrowding in prisons and poor health outcomes. We can't arrest our way out of a public health issue and we therefore reaffirm our commitment to say not to courts when dealing with this public health issue.

At Harm Reduction Zambia Network, we are standing with the global call to people struggling with substance use disorder and communities affected by the failed war on drugs that has proved to have fueled mass incarceration, corruption, creation of criminal black market, inadequate health services and violation of human rights. We believe that real prevention means:
✅ Access to harm reduction and treatment services
✅ Honest education for young people and not scare tactics
✅ Community support and health care not handcuffs
✅ Reforming punitive laws that hurt people and not help.

It’s time for Zambia to invest in what works and not to be left behind. Let’s leave punishment in the past and build a future based on compassion, health, and dignity. The evidence is clear that we have a drug problem and a holistic approach is a way forward. Harm reduction is a necessity and not a luxury. Nothing for people who use drug without them and the opposite of addiction is not sobriety but connection and support.


UNAIDS Zambia
UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime



Webster Mwenya Chomba
Policy and Advocacy officer
Harm Reduction Zambia Network
26 June 2025

04/04/2025

Support. Don't punish initiatives programme 2024

14/02/2025

As Harm Reduction Zambia Network, we welcome the government's decision to allow the use of cannabis oil in the treatment of cancer. This is a milestone and significant step forward in recognizing the potential benefits of cannabis for medicinal purposes as well as research. However, we are greatly concerned about the lack of a statutory instrument which we are not aware of if at all it is in place to operationalize this law, which has resulted in no licenses being issued for research, medical, or industrial use. We advocate for the immediate issuance of licenses to local farmers using a cooperative model to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes. This will not only support local agriculture but also ensure that the benefits of cannabis oil reach those in need. Additionally, we urge the government to assist with marketing these products on the international market, which could provide substantial economic benefits to the country. We call on the relevant authorities to expedite the process of creating the necessary statutory instruments to bring the Cannabis Act number of, 2021 into full operation. This will not just enable the effective implementation of the law and ensure that patients suffering from cancer and other conditions can access the therapeutic benefits of cannabis oil but it will also bring sanity in the illicit cannabis trade and supply.

Mwenya Chomba,
Advocacy Officer
Harm reduction Zambia network (HRZN)

13/01/2025

Thank you KBN for the News Coverage.

10/01/2025

Today as HRZN We hold our first Community training on Harm Reduction programs 2025 in Chibolya Community a drug prone community.

HRZN Executive Director Desmond Sakala giving his welcoming remarks. initiatives program 2025

04/01/2025

Why is Zambia dragging it's feet, before the multinationals that already established capture the market why can't we empower our own locals and own the industry

12/12/2024

initiatives Programme 2024, build up to "drugs, human rights and the community" workshop

10/12/2024

AN EXTRACT FROM THE HRZN WORKSHOP.

ACADEMICIANS WELL REPRESENTED:_ GIVING A FRAGMENT OF HARM REDUCTION ON DRUGS CITING SOME MISCONCEPTIONS AND BELIEFS THAT PEOPLE HAVE TOWARDS DRUG USE.

Academician and University of Zambia Lecturer and Nature by Nature DNA Research owner Mpulamasaka Nsoni, shares believes that the health benefits of cannabis far outweighs the costs of certification.

He further gives a sneak peak of the Law Association of Zambia view on the legalization of Ma*****na. And the errors that people believe are associated with ma*****na use.

08/12/2024