Technical capacity building workshop concludes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 14 2024: The two-days Technical Capacity Building Workshop for key members of State Drug Users Forum on drug use/HIV/harm reduction concluded today at Classic Hotel, Imphal.

The workshop was jointly organised by India Alliance and Nirvana Foundation under the aegis of GILEAD.

The workshop aimed to increase understanding of HIV, drugs, and harm reduction, specifically through the lens of women who inject drugs (WWLD); address the unique mental health challenges faced by these women; and explore the specific barriers they face in accessing health services & the critical role of advocacy.

Active participation from key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) and leaders from the People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) community, ensured that the discussions were locally relevant and grounded in the lived experiences of affected communities.

The workshop covered several key topics vital for empowering WWID such as:
HIV/AIDS and Drug Use - Understanding HIV/AIDS and drug use as a disease, and recognizing the specific issues faced by women who inject drugs;
Comprehensive Harm Reduction- A deep dive into harm reduction as a comprehensive approach, integrating healthcare, social support, and legal advocacy;
Mental Health and HIV/

Drug Use - Addressing the intersection of mental health, HIV, and drug use, with a focus on providing mental health support as part of harm reduction strategies;
Viral Hepatitis - Insights into the links between viral hepatitis and drug use, emphasizing the need for targeted health services for women who inject drugs;
Counseling and Skills Development - Practical training on counseling skills, with a focus on compassionate, non-judgmental communication;
Specific Needs of WWID- A session exploring the unique healthcare, legal, and social support needs of women who inject drugs.

The workshop provided an inclusive platform for women to share their experiences and for community leaders to reflect on the gaps in services and the importance of gendersensitive interventions.

Prominent personalities including Rajkumari Rosie Devi, State Nodal Officer, SVHCP; Dr Angomacha, Sr Psychiatrist (retired), Health Services, Manipur; Ch Anand, freelance consultant and Sobhana Sorokhaibam, secretary, Nirvana Foundation also shared valuable insight during the workshop.

The workshop played a vital role in enhancing the capacity of WWID to advocate for their health and well-being.

By equipping them with the tools and knowledge to engage in policy discussions, the event helped pave the way for more inclusive, accessible, and gender-sensitive harm reduction and HIV prevention services.

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