The HIV/AIDS Asia Regional Program (HAARP) is an Australian Government Aid Program funded initiative that works to effectively implement harm reduction strategies to reduce drug-related HIV harm in the South-East Asia region. In addition, the Dutch Government has provided supplementary funds to the Vietnam Country Program.
HAARP aims to work in a credible, pragmatic and inclusive way through advocacy, knowledge sharing, partnerships and the scaling up of harm reduction services. In doing so we aim to facilitate change at the community and governmental levels and develop capacity for future harm reduction strategies.
Program Approach
HAARP has adopted a harm reduction approach to HIV prevention among drug users. Harm reduction is a response to complex and difficult problems such as illicit drug use. It is pragmatic, evidence-informed and recognises that HIV prevention among drug users must involve public health and public security together with drug-users and community organisations, to enable a coordinated approach to reducing drug related harm.
Program Structure
HAARP comprises two layers of activity focused on HIV and drug use – first, at the regional level and second, at national levels in five countries. The intention is to create a framework that specifically promotes regional cooperation and addresses cross-border issues, while supporting the locality-specific and technical aspects of work on HIV associated with drug use within various national HIV programs. |