Harm reduction is a pragmatic approach to reduce the risks associated with the use of psychoactive substances and/or sex work. These risks are health-related – such as exposure to HIV, hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and violence. Harm reduction has a political dimension because it usually involves populations discriminated against or stigmatised for their practices and is linked to issues that are marked by ideologies and/or representations.
This approach, based on public health and human rights, places at the heart of its intervention principle that the people concerned are not always willing or able to change their lifestyle, and that no preconditions should be imposed on their civil rights or their access to health and rights. Despite strong moral opposition in some contexts, harm reduction, often operating on the margins of legal frameworks, has emerged as an effective public health response.
The LSD group is currently renewing its co-leadership. In the meantime, you can contact Elise Joisel (elise.joisel@medecinsdumonde.net) or Celine Debaulieu (celine.debaulieu@medecinsdumonde.net).