In recent years, harm reduction services have made great progress. Interviews with stakeholders show the innovative strategies and policies that have been put into place.
Processing coca leaves into coca paste is considerably more profitable for farmers than selling unprocessed leaves. However, paste is not covered by the judicial immunity granted as part of the peace deal, leaving farmers with a legal dilemma.
In a worrying development, Cambodian officials are seeking means to speed up court procedures and liquidate the seized assets of suspected drug traffickers before they are convicted to help fund the government’s ongoing efforts to combat drugs.
Recent evidence suggests that allowing access to medical cannabis may reduce the frequency of opioid overdoses. This is particularly pertinent in India as certain regions have become increasingly gripped by a deadly opioid crisis.
3 years ago, Serbia stopped being eligible for funding from the Global Fund, which resulted in the closure of harm reduction programs around the country.
