No Harm – National Alliance for Harm Reduction
Context
In Romania, harm reduction (HR) interventions, both in the community and in detention settings, are fragmented, underfunded, and limited by a predominantly punitive normative framework.
The lack of a shared vision and a coherent strategy makes existing services difficult to coordinate and insufficiently adapted to real needs.
At the same time, there is a lack of coordination among relevant stakeholders, a limited understanding of the implications of drug use, and insufficient knowledge of harm reduction principles.
These gaps are accompanied by stigma and discrimination, which reduce access to services and affect the social inclusion of people who use drugs.
NO HARM – National Harm Reduction Alliance aims to contribute to the development of a coherent, effective, and sustainable vision on harm reduction* in Romania, both in the community and in the prison system.
The initiative responds to the urgent need for reform in a field where interventions are currently fragmented, insufficiently funded, and limited by a predominantly punitive normative framework, as well as lacking coordination and a national strategy based on evidence, human rights, and anti-discrimination.
*Harm reduction measures aim to protect the health and rights of people who use drugs, without imposing abstinence, through:
- Needle and syringe exchange and distribution of sterile materials
- Treatment of drug dependence
- Overdose prevention
- Vaccination
- Rapid testing and counselling for HIV, HBV, HCV, and other transmissible infections
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Treatment of infectious diseases
- Complementary medical and social services (mental health, social services, treatment, and reintegration through referral or accompaniment)
- Supervised consumption rooms
Objectives
NO HARM proposes a systemic, national-level approach that includes the analysis of existing services and policies to identify real needs and barriers in the field of harm reduction, strengthening the capacity of non-governmental organisations through theoretical and practical training (including through a national harm reduction caravan), as well as combating the stigmatisation of people who use drugs, including by engaging and training journalists.
The main objectives are:
- Promoting a sustainable reform of harm reduction policies in Romania – by developing and presenting strategic development solutions, creating a cooperation mechanism among civil society actors (40 NGOs), showcasing harm reduction services, and organising 8 consultations with authorities to support the integration of the reform into public policies.
- Strengthening the capacity of civil society and promoting a correct understanding of harm reduction – by supporting over 70 organisations across the 8 development regions of Romania to work with and for people who use drugs, training 60 journalists, and carrying out information and awareness activities that will reach approximately 1,000,000 people.
Activities
The project facilitates interinstitutional dialogue and creates a national alliance among relevant stakeholders – civil society organisations, professionals, decision-makers, and affected communities – to promote modern policies aligned with international practices
NO HARM begins with an analysis of existing services and policies, in order to identify real needs and barriers to access.
Based on these findings, the project supports the strengthening of a national network of organisations and stakeholders active in the field. A national alliance is created, bringing together civil society organisations, professionals, and other relevant actors, who actively contribute to the exchange of good practices, dissemination of results, and the development of joint positions in the area of public policies.
At the same time, interinstitutional dialogue is facilitated through meetings and consultations with public authorities at both local and national level. Field interventions, carried out through the harm reduction caravan, provide direct services and contribute to a better understanding of the realities faced by people who use drugs.
The project also invests in strengthening the capacity of organisations and community actors.
Theoretical and practical training programmes are organised for non-governmental organisations, professionals, and other local actors, with a focus on harm reduction principles, reducing stigma, and providing accessible and inclusive services.
To address stigma and promote a correct understanding of the phenomenon, the project includes a component dedicated to working with the media.
Journalists are involved in training sessions on responsible reporting on drug use, and, in addition, a national information campaign is implemented, contributing to increased awareness and to changing public perceptions.
Results
The expected results include the development of a coherent reform proposal in the field of harm reduction, strengthened cooperation between stakeholders, exchange of good practices at European level, and increased public awareness (approximately 1,000,000 people informed).
The project produces essential resources for the development of the field: a national analysis of existing services and policies, a reform proposal, a training curriculum, and a guide for journalists. These provide a solid foundation for future interventions and for the development of more coherent public policies.
At the same time, an active network of organisations and professionals is strengthened. Over 160 individuals from at least 70 NGOs and institutions are trained, developing skills that can be applied and expanded in the long term.
40 of them become part of a national alliance, which functions as a mechanism for collaboration and advocacy
Field interventions, carried out through the harm reduction caravan, reach 1,000 people who use drugs across 8 regions, providing direct services and demonstrating the effectiveness of these types of interventions. At the same time, 200 public institutions are informed and involved in the dialogue on service development.
The communication component contributes to changing public perceptions
60 journalists are trained to approach the topic of drug use responsibly, and the national campaign reaches approximately 1,000,000 people, increasing awareness and reducing stigma.
