Kano, Nigeria – 2018

Organiser[s] Drug Harm Reduction Advocacy Network Nigeria. With Drug Free and Preventive Healthcare organization, Taimako Health Support Initiative, Charity Heart for Good Health Initiative, Youth Rise Nigeria, Heroes Health Community Support Initiative, Global Health and Social Awareness Foundation, Mistletoes Community Health and Rights Initiative, Autamaimasa Foundation, Youth Awake for Better Society, Health Action Support Initiative, Initiative for Youth Development Change in Nigeria

Drug Harm Reduction Advocacy Network Nigeria, the drug user network in Nigeria comprising sixteen (16) drug user led organizations in 13 states of Nigeria organized the “Support Don’t Punish” event in Nigeria. The event was to draw attention to the wide spread stigmatisation and discrimination of people who use drugs occasioned by drug policies that are not evidence-based and violates the rights of drug users as people. The theme adopted for the event was; “WE ARE PEOPLE; SUPPORT DON”T PUNISH”. The event was supported by funding agencies, National NGOs and Government Agencies.  The event was planned to bring together members of the public, stakeholders and drug users in a space where interactions and activities could be jointly carried out; as a strategy for reducing stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs and help draw support for advocacy for change of drug policies to policies that are rooted in “Human Rights, Science and Public health”