International Drug Users Day

K Basanta Kumar (NEIHRN)
The “International Drug Users Day” (IDUD in short) is observed every year on November 1 to celebrate and strive for the rights of drug users, including access to healthcare, harm reduction services, and fair treatment. It advocates for ending the criminalization of people who use drugs and promoting compassionate drug policies in addition to fostering solidarity among drug users, activists, and organizations across the globe, providing a platform for sharing experiences and building stronger networks. The day highlights harm reduction strategies-such as needle-syringe exchange programs, safe consumption sites, and opioid substitution therapy. Harm reduction prioritizes minimization of health risks rather than insisting on abstinence alone.
The observation of International Drug Users Day on Nov 1 started during the 1990s in Europe & other developed countries calling for humane drug policies & programs. On this day, Mayors, Magistrates, Town Councillors, policy makers, police & CSOs hold consultations with IDUs to scope out their health protection needs to feed into larger public health strategies for the purpose of curbing major BBV epidemics among bridge IDU populations dwelling at the margins of societies.
People who use and inject drugs are among the groups at highest risk of acquiring HIV but remain marginalized and often unable to access health and social services. In 2020, 9% of all new HIV infections were among people who inject drugs. Drug users often face stigma that affects their mental health, employment, and access to healthcare. IDUD seeks to dismantle these barriers and promote equal treatment.
IDUD was first observed in Manipur in 2003 by NEIHRN with the involvement of police, IDUs and other stakeholders. It focused on sensitisation for the need of an enabling environment and community involvement in implementing harm reduction and access to other treatments.
United Nations Member States set bold global targets on decriminalization of drug possession for personal use and on elimination of stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs and other key populations. To reach these targets by 2025, strategic actions at the country level need to start today.
GLOBAL AIDS SOCIETAL ENABLER TARGETS 2025
1) Less than 10% of countries criminalize drug use and possession of small amounts of drugs.
2) Less than 10% of people who use drugs report experiencing stigma and discrimination.
3) Less than 10% of people who use drugs lack mechanisms for people living with HIV and key populations to report abuse and discrimination and seek redress.
4) Less than 10% of people who use drugs lack access to legal services.
5) Less than 10% of health workers and law enforcement officers report negative attitudes towards people who use drugs.
6) Less than 10% of people who use drugs experience physical or sexual violence.
GLOBAL PREVENTION TARGETS 2025
1) 90% of people who inject drugs have access to comprehensive harm reduction services integrating or linked to hepatitis C, HIV and mental health services
2) 80% of service delivery for HIV prevention programmes for people who use drugs to be delivered by organizations led by people who use drugs.
In the context of Manipur & NE India, injecting drug use have been a significant public health issue for nearly five decades marked by severe human rights violations and societal stigma. However, in the 1990s, drug users in Manipur demonstrated great resilience by standing up against societal odds and laying the foundation for a movement that continues to shine as a beacon of hope. Their journey has led to local, National, and international contributions towards drug law reform and harm reduction practices. Drug users in Manipur, and globally, have found unity through shared experiences, challenging the harmful stereotypes and asserting their rights as human beings.
It is essential to challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding drug use. Drug use, in itself, does not make a person sick, selfish, or irresponsible. It does not strip individuals of their ability to create art, enjoy life, or support those who choose abstinence. Acknowledging this truth is key to celebrating the diversity and complexity of the drug-using community while stan- ding against societal judgment.
 The theme for IDUD 2024 centres on choice and self-acceptance. This year, drug users are encouraged to reflect on their personal decisions and celebrate their right to define their own relationship with drugs. The theme emphasizes the importance of self- determi- nation and pride in identity, fostering solidarity among the 16 million drug users worldwide. It calls for individuals to reject shame and embrace their contributions to the ongoing move- ment for drug policy reform.
International Drug Users Day serves as a crucial platform towards advocating for humane, health-focused drug policies and the dignity of drug users world- wide. This year’s focus on choice and self-acceptance invites reflection and unity among drug users, fostering pride in their identities and contributions to global advocacy and reform efforts. As the day highlights achievements and remaining challenges, it reaffirms the importance of solidarity and the ongoing fight against stigma, criminalization, and harmful drug policies.
In consonance with global endeavours, IDUD 2024 in Manipur calls for -
1) Reduction of drug use & HIV related stigma & discrimination through collec- tive action, consultations and structural interventions;
2) Enabling environment with peer led strategies for ease of service access through sustained sensiti-sation on Harm, Demand & Supply Reduction;
3) Stabilizing the IDU population & increasing their reintegration with OST scale up & uptake saturation along with Free Legal Aid services;
4) Strengthening Community Mobilization & Meaningful Engagement of Drug users as a part of the solution to drug abuse & BBV epidemics; and
5) Advocate to Streng-then the reach & uptake of ART, HCV, HBV & TB treatment.