ID: HR19-1254

Presenting author: Nebojša Đurasović

Presenting author biography:

Coordinator of harm reduction program for people who inject drugs since 2004 Coordinator of harm reduction program for sex workers since 2014 Trainer of outreach workers for work with the vulnerable population VCT counselor Coordinator of the program for youth workers

The only one harm reduction program that survived in Serbia - Experience of the Association Prevent

Nebojša Đurasović

Issue
Association Prevent implements harm reduction programs among PWID and SW over 12 years. After leaving Global Fund from Serbia in 2014 we did not want to give up from our work. Other 3 needle exchange program in Serbia stopped working before four years.

Setting
In Novi Sad lives between 1600 and 1800 PWID. Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia.

Key arguments
Building sustainability and advocacy for budgetary financing is necessary from the beginning of the project. Our association has participated in the creation of strategic documents for youth, HIV and for drugs, at the national and local level. We working also on the international level. At the local level has been made the greatest efforts. City department for health has non-transparent competitions. The key to its success was the submission of complaints to the results of the competition, access to documentation of public concern and complaints to the Ombudsman. Prevent done it on the systematic, transparent and impartial way.

Outcomes and implications
After all the steps taken Prevent provided stable funding of HR programs at the local level. The amount is not sufficient for normal functioning, but there is a plan for the implementation of this methodology at the provincial and national level. Because of funds at the local level are much limited, harm reduction program is divided into several components in several areas and is funded through more projects (needle exchange; psychological counseling; HIV testing). In the transition period is necessary to explore all possibilities and to invest effort in order to ensure the sustainability of harm reduction programs. Classic instructions for advocating budget financing are not applicable in countries that do not have a programmatic budget and funds are allocated through public competitions. Here comes to the fore militancy, determination and ability to survive.