Gombe, 4 July, 2024 -- In a strategic move to address the growing concerns of drug abuse and its associated health risks, Gombe State has launched a comprehensive harm reduction program for people who inject drugs (PWID). 

This initiative, backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and several key partners, aims to provide critical support and services to mitigate the health risks associated with drug use by reducing the spread of infectious diseases, like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), viral hepatitis and other blood-borne infections.

Harm reduction refers to a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with injecting drugs or drug use.

Personal story 
Mr Adamu Sani a drug user who has been benefiting from the harm reduction program for three years, shares his harrowing journey through addiction and his path to recovery. "I started using drugs at a young age," he recalls.  Adamu's life took a positive turn when he encountered the harm reduction program. "The support I received was life-changing. I not only get medical help but also counselling and a support network that understands my struggles."

Today, Adamu recommended others like him who inject drugs into the safe service program. The harm reduction program

“Harm reduction is a part of the process adopted to improve the quality of health services and sustain the gains that have been made in addressing HIV in the state, says Gombe State Commissioner of Health, Dr Habu Dahiru.

Dr Dahiru, in his speech during the inauguration of the state Technical Working Group (TWG), explains that the government in collaboration with partners, including the United States President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Global Funds, Civil society organizations, and patient groups will support the implementation of the program to ensure no one is left behind in accessing needed HIV and harm reduction services. 

Before the inauguration of the TWG, the harm reduction program had been running in the state for three years with the support of development partners.
So far about 3,900 injecting drug users in Gombe state have been reached with harm reduction services. 

The harm reduction program in Gombe State is designed to minimize the adverse health, and social consequences associated with drug use. The core services include: Needle and Syringe Program (NSP): to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, clean needles and syringes are provided. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): medicines are offered to help individuals reduce their dependency on illegal opioids. Health Education and Counseling: comprehensive education on safe drug use practices and access to counselling services. Medical Care and

Testing: regular health services like HIV testing and treatment, tuberculosis screening, and access to related services.
Other services provided are opioid overdose management, access to wound management, and when required, amputation services through its tertiary facilities. 

Mr Abah David, a member of the TWG, representing the PWID community says the Gombe state harm reduction program represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex issue of drug abuse.

He explains that the state government recognises drug use as a health problem requiring a multi-sectoral approach and this TWG provides the enabling environment to ensure access to harm reduction services for people who use drugs".

The TWG will serve as an advisory body to the government on harm reduction and support policy formulation, provide guidance on evidence-based strategies, and monitor the quality of services.

Partner support

To strengthen the coordination of harm reduction services in Nigeria, WHO had earlier conducted an extensive assessment of existing services in ten states including Gombe State. 
By conducting this assessment, WHO seeks to strengthen harm reduction efforts, improve public health outcomes, and support states in implementing more effective and comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risks associated with drug use.

The assessment evaluated the reach of current harm reduction strategies and mapped the facilities and organizations that provide these services. 

Findings from the 2023 assessment in Gombe state showed that the WHO-recommended package of interventions for people who inject drugs, excluding MAT, was available. However, there is a need to strengthen coordination and improve awareness and coverage of services within the state. 

Acting upon the findings, the WHO Gombe State Coordinator, Dr Ismail Farouk explains that “WHO worked closely with the State Government during the constitution of the TWG on harm reduction as a first step towards improving coordination”.

He reiterated WHO’s commitment to continue supporting the state in improving awareness of and expediting access to the recommended package of care for PWID.