Basic principle

Harm reduction is based on the principle that every substance user has the ability to intervene in his or her use. Every substance user also has the ability to unlock, strengthen and develop this potential.

Africa

In December 2009 Mainline researched the living circumstances of drug users in the Kenian cities of Nairobi and Mombassa. Unfortunately there is insufficient attention for harm reduction and the rights of drug users, most of whom smoke heroin.

Eastern Europe

Mainline works in Georgia, Russia, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine. In Georgia, for example, Mainline works with two partner organisations, ‘Alternative Georgia’ and ‘Tanadgoma’, in efforts to improve the situation of substance users.

What we do?

The International Department is the executive department for Mainline’s international activities. The department exchanges knowledge that is acquired in the Netherlands with partners in developing countries. In this way Mainline introduces harm reduction strategies abroad.

 
Read more about harm reduction


Key tasks

  • Promotion of harm reduction in new countries and establishing contacts with governmental authorities.
  • Support local partners and NGOs in applying harm reduction strategies and improving access to healthcare facilities and medication.
  • Providing care – improving the quality of life and perspective for substance users in developing countries, and fighting against stigmatisation.

 

Other tasks

  1. Lobbying – the local authorities’ permission is generally required before harm reduction strategies can be successfully introduced and applied. Mainline therefore firstly establishes contact with the relevant local authorities to discuss an action plan and specific strategies.

  2. Adapting strategies – to adapt Mainline’s approach to cultural, socio-economic and political context in other countries, workers in the International Department gather information on specific local characteristics.

 

Click here to download the summary of Mainline’s policy plan

 

To top