HAARP in Laos has adopted a phased approach of scaling up the response to HIV. Initially, the program will focus on advocating for harm reduction, careful monitoring and analysis of emerging trends and patterns of drug use, capacity building and providing technical assistance for the preparation of treatment protocols and guidelines.
In 2010, a Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) was undertaken in the two provinces of Huaphanh and Phongsaly. A Dissemination workshop was held in June 2010 for the purpose of formulating appropriate responses and interventions in these provinces and in Laos.
Subsequently, the national authorities formed the National Task Force on HIV and Drugs for coordinating and overseeing capacity building, advocacy and strengthening systems for starting up harm reduction services as a pilot in the two provinces.
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