The alarming decline in testing on the 40th year of the fight against AIDS

Every year on 1st December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. A day we unite to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and reflect upon our worldwide responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Today marks the 40th year of the fight against AIDS. A benchmark. The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS”, aiming to highlight the growing inequalities in access to essential HIV services. As we experience a new pandemic, this becomes more relevant than ever. COVID-19 has exacerbated inequalities, and impacted people living with HIV/AIDS, particular in terms of access to testing, treatment and health services.

There are alarming statistics mentioned in the newly-shared press release “HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs: Let’s make up for lost time against the epidemics!” by the Coalition Plus and EuroTEST initiative, launched on 28th November 2021, the last day of European Testing Week.

A study conducted in 44 countries proves a 35% drop in HIV screenings between 2019 and 2020 among key populations. The number is even higher among sex workers, who were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 59%.

Inequality defines infection patterns
The newly launched Global Aids Strategy 2021 – 2026, aims to respond to the inequalities that exist between key populations in different countries and regions. Although key populations have been able to maintain access to life-saving HIV services in some settings, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction – even during COVID-19 lockdowns -, there is a critical and sharp decline in testing caused by the very pandemic that is affecting those most marginalized and underserved.

Building upon this framework, and Political Declaration from last June, on this day we call on the following priority actions to ensure that testing, treatment and care remains accessible for the already marginalized and underserved communities we work for and with.

Intensify and redouble efforts to scale up comprehensive harm reduction for people who use drugs in all settings, including needle-syringe programmes, opioid substitution therapy, as well as prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis community-led outreach and psychosocial support.

Ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights services are non-judgmental and non-discriminating, developing programmes to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination, while fostering initiatives that address the cross-cutting dimensions of stigma and discriminations faces by key populations.

Urgently expand access to combination HIV prevention, including PrEP and harm reduction. To ensure that services articulate person-centred and integrated care models that focus on quality of live outcomes beyond viral suppression goals.

Gender-responsive harm reduction programmes for people (including adolescents and young people) who use stimulant drugs or other new psychoactive substances must be introduced and scaled up.

Take urgent actions against the criminalizing laws, policies, and law enforcement practices against  people who use drugs, sex workers, migrants, people of diverse SOGIESC, racialiced people, as well as for the redress of criminalization’s negative effects on HIV, viral hepatitis and other health issues.

Strengthen community-led and community-based harm reduction programmes and to advance community leadership and advocacy, ensuring adequate resources, funding, and enabling eviroments. Within interventions among key populations, a significant increase in resources is needed for combination harm reduction services for people who inject drugs.

Ending AIDS by 2030
Do you also agree that ending inequalities would end AIDS? What does your organisation or you personally do to reach the elimination goals by 2030? What are your recommendations to end AIDS by 2030? Share them online with the hashtag #HRAtWork. We are here to support and strengthen your work.

UNODC Webinar
The UNODC is organising a webinar called “Reflecting on the persistent inequalities that prevent progress in ending the AIDS pandemic” on 2nd December, 10:00-11:30 CET.
Please click here and join the meeting directly tomorrow.

Press Release by Coalition PLus and EuroTest Initiative | #COVID19 Diaries: The sharp, critical decline in testing

The Press Release from Coalition Plus and the EuroTEST initiative titled “HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs: Let’s make up for lost time against the epidemics!” was shared on the last day of the European Testing Week 28th November 2021.

The press release points out the sharp and critical decline in testing for HIV, hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among the most vulnerable populations, led by the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistics are alarming and worrying. 

According to a study conducted in 44 countries, there was a 35% drop in HIV screenings between 2019 and 2020 among key populations. The number is even higher among sex workers, who were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 59%.

Ben Collins, the chair of European Testing Week, says that with all the great effective treatments at hand, there is every good reason for anyone at risk for HIV, viral hepatitis, or STIs to get tested this week or any week of the year.

“If we are to reach the global goals set for 2030, it is paramount to remove legal and regulatory obstacles to the provision of services at the community level, which is a crucial step in effectively reaching the unreachable.” concludes the Press Release.

The International and European Testing Week initiative focuses on increasing access to testing and raising awareness about the importance of early testing. The next testing week will be in the spring of 2022. Follow the updates and be on time in supporting their efforts.

To stop or to stop? That is not the question. | International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

It is 2021. Like many other vital social issues that must have already been extinct, the shameful existence of violence against women, trans and non-binary people gives one shiver. Still, here we are, marking it with the hope of its elimination internationally.

25th of November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This year’s campaign, generated by United Nations – UN, focuses on amplifying the call for global action to bridge funding gaps. It ensures essential services for survivors of violence during the COVID-19 crisis, focusing on prevention and collecting data to improve life-saving services for women and girls.

Its theme is Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!. It marks the launch of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative of 16 full days of activism concluding on the day that commemorates International Human Rights Day (10 December).

What is happening already?
Today, the “Sexism Free Night” Project has launched its European campaign BCRTEST – Bystander Chain Reaction Test, aiming to inspire action, encourage people without shaming or judging, and focus on fighting sexism with creativity and activism massive testing. 

Have you taken a test yet? You may do so and share the cleverly developed campaign materials with your words alongside the hashtags #FunZone4All #BCRtest and #sexismfreenight.

The Euroasian Harm Reduction Association: EHRA has accepted the challenge and started their 16 days of activism campaign “Expected and unexpected risks of the #narcofeminism movement in the EECA region”.

What movement..?
The narcofeminism movement was born from the question of how painful and frightening it is to be a woman who uses psychoactive substances in combination with the experience of lack of focus on women for humane drug policies.

It is the response to discrimination, rights violations and injustice by activists from all over Europe.
Check out the details here. 

Furthermore, the article “A World Beyond the War on Drugs” written by the Association for Women’sWomen’s Rights in Development (AWID) gives an excellent close look at the movement and its clear vision.

Also, the session: Girls power in HR2: womxn leadership to ensure access to Harm Reduction and Human Rights protection for womxn who use drugs with ReGeneration, EHRA, ENPUD and Metzineres, is highly insightful for you to exceed your knowledge on the topic and the current discussion on and around it.

Wonder how else you can show support in the name of solidarity, equality and humanity?
Why not download the campaign material and join the movement now 

Moreover, read the statement pencilled down by the European Commission, mentioning gender-based cyber violence, the Istanbul convention, the use of sexual violence as a weapon and domestic violence. All violent in their own unique, secretive ways and all worrisome.

Last but not least, start acting now.
Act every day, everywhere.

Harm Reduction @Work: What a blast #EHRC21 was!

One of the participants shared her feelings after #EHRC21 with the phrase; the better the high, the bigger the comedown. We have waited long enough to have such a get-together, and it was a blast.

The Conference had a record number of participants. Over 400 people from 43 countries, including people from outside Europe such as the USA, Russia, Canada, and Lebanon, gathered in Prague from the 10th to the 12th of November. Overcoming the difficulties posed by the COVID19 pandemic, harm reductionists remained upbeat until the last minute. Even participants from afar continents like Australia, Africa, South America and Central Asia were hoping they could travel, until the very last minute. Staying positive is a trait we all share in the field of Harm Reduction, after all. To enable a wider audience, we also live-streamed some of the sessions with over 150 viewers.

The sessions were chaired by 28 representatives of organisations from across Europe. There were 116 speakers covering extensively urgent and current topics in the human rights movement of people who use drugs, sex workers, people experiencing homelessness and other marginalised communities. Just to name some. The biggest downer during the Conference was having to choose what to attend during parallel sessions because everything was equally exciting. 

Apologies for all the statistics but is this not absolutely incredible that the Conference thrived in such a fashion? So here comes a toast to all harm reductionists in the world.

You rock! Harm Reduction goes on!

..

Could you not attend for whatever reason?
See below ideas on how you can do a thorough follow-up:

The online discussions during the conference can be tracked down in social media with the hashtags #HRAtWork and #EHRC21, in case of arousal of curiosity 🙂

We are now busy uploading all shareable online. In the meantime, HERE are images from the Conference and HERE is the video teaser from the Conference done by the amazing Drug Reporter foundation.

Last, but not least important, either subscribe to our newsletter to not miss out on the news or follow us on social media via @CorrelationNet.

We would like to wholeheartedly thank all the Conference partners, chairs partners, speakers and participants for their time, energy and support in making the #EHRC21 memorable. Together, we will move the unmovable.

Sex Worker Pride Day | Welcome ESWA!

Today, 14 September 2021, is SEX WORKER PRIDE DAY, honouring sex workers’ self-determination and enhanced visibility and the achievements of sex worker-led organisations. Sex Worker Pride extends to all marginalised by criminalisation, discrimination, and stigma across the sex worker movement and celebrates the diversity within the community.

On this day, we would like to share and amplify some important announcements in the sex workers’ rights movement and offer you some simple steps to support the inclusion of sex workers. 

Thank you, ICRSE, for your work. Time to let ESWA take over!

 

From today, ICRSE becomes ESWA, the European Sex Workers Rights Alliance (ESWA), a sex worker-led network representing over 100 organisations led by or working with sex workers in 35 countries in Europe and Central Asia.

To celebrate this significant moment, ESWA is launching their new website. However, this is not all! Building upon previous years of substantial, urgent and successful work, ESWA is also presenting their Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025, setting two main thematic priorities: gender and migration & anti-racism.

On this day, we also would like to celebrate Sabrina Sanchez as the new coordinator of ESWA. Sabrina is a trans woman, sex worker, originally from Mexico, co-founder of the sex worker’s union OTRAS in Spain. Previously, Sabrina was also a Convenor of the Board of Directors of ICRSE.

Welcome ESWA!
C-EHRN is already looking forward to continuing working together with you!

 

4 SIMPLE STEPS TO SUPPORT THE INCLUSION OF SEX WORKERS

ESWA needs our help in advocating for the rights of sex workers in Europe and ensuring that their voices are heard! What can we do? Check out all these actions on their new website, and have a read of the tips below.

Educate yourself
Sex workers’ rights are workers’ rights!
Sex workers’ rights are the rights of women, migrants, LGBTQ, and people who use drugs!

We want to invite you to read more about sex work, human rights violations, and their legal frameworks on this- and upcoming days. There are a lot of resources out there!

NSWP and INPUD briefing paper is a good start, for example. Remember also to check Intersection Papers and Toolkit developed by ESWA, or the collection of texts ‘The Fight To Decriminalise Sex’ by Open Democracy. Another fantastic resource is Revolting Prostitutes by Juno Mac & Molly Smith.

Connect with your local or national sex worker organisations
Regular conversations, partnerships and cooperation with sex workers organisations is another way to stand in solidarity. Advocating for the rights of sex workers to other groups is not an easy task, so reach out and ask them how you can support their work. Find a list of sex workers’ organisations in Europe with whom you may establish mutual learning and knowledge sharing links. 

Include sex workers in your programmes or activities
Peer works! For people who use drugs, and also for sex workers, from research to community-building activities and outreach activities or programme evaluation. Having dedicated human and financial resources available for capacity building of drug users and sex-workers led activities and networks makes the difference between aspirations and reaching those most marginalised and underserved. 

Golden tip! Check out the Training Manual on Sex Work, HIV and Human Rights.

Advocate for sex workers’ rights
The sex workers and people who use drugs’ rights movement are both part of broader social justice transformation processes. Criminalisation, stigma, discrimination and violence severely impact the health and wellbeing of sex workers and people who use drugs across Europe. 

The first step for a more inclusive Harm Reduction movement is a clear and explicit position on the decriminalisation of sex work. You may read about the Sex Work Frameworks by ESWA or the community guide on decriminalisation by NSWP. Also, consider signing ESWA’s campaign to amend the Sexual Freedom Law in Spain or the petition asking the Croatian government to decriminalise sex work.

On this day, we invite Harm Reduction activists to stand with us by sex workers’ side and vocally support them – from social media to EU Institutions – towards social justice for all.   

COVID-19 – Addressing the impact on workers in the informal economy

In this NLO podcast episode, we discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers in the informal economy, including sex workers and undocumented migrants. Our guests explain the gaps and unintended consequences of government responses and how to increase equitable and inclusive access to care and social services for all.

Join us for an exciting and insightful discussion with:

Maria-Anna Paraskeva, Senior Policy Officer, DG EMPL, F1- EFS (European Social Fund) and FEAD (Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived) (European Commission)

Michele LeVoy, Director Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM)

Luca Stevenson, Coordinator, International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE)

Moderated by Paul Adamson from Encompass.

COVID-19 in Marginalised Groups – Challenges, actions and voices

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis for governments and health systems, and has severely impacted the health, lives and livelihood of millions of people worldwide.

While COVID-19 has affected everyone, it has had particular impact among marginalised communities such as homeless people, LGTBI people, people who use drugs, prisoners, sex workers and undocumented migrants. The pandemic has amplified existing challenges among these groups, who already face a high risk of poor health and various barriers in accessing healthcare and support services. The Nobody Left Outside (NLO) initiative recently explained these challenges and issued policy recommendations in a briefing paper for the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development.

The webinar “COVID-19 in Marginalised Groups – Challenges, actions and voices” organised in collaboration with the European Health Forum Gastein concludes the NLO Week 2020 – a week of online activities focusing on the unmet healthcare needs of marginalised communities. In this webinar, NLO civil society participants, academics and policymakers will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on marginalised groups, the gaps and unintended consequences of government responses, and how we can ensure future health systems and recovery measures reach everyone.

Speakers include:

Moderator: Boris Azaïs, Director, Public Policy Europe & Canada, MSD

COVID-19 Resource Centre

To support people who use drugs and other marginalized and underserved communities, as well as health and social workers delivering services under challenging conditions to bring this outbreak to a close, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network is developing this Coronavirus Resource Centre. This capacity-building initiative complements our advocacy activities and the Joint Position on the Continuity of Harm Reduction Services During the COVID-19 Crisis that we published together with the Eurasian Harm Reduction Network, and the Rights Reporter Foundation. 

This Resource Centre brings together contributions, materials, experiences of our members, partners and allies. New/Updated materials come first, as situations change very quickly.

If you discover any out-of-date links or if there would be any links that could be included, please, let us know at this address: rpgayo@correlation-net.org

 

STATEMENTS | POSITION PAPERS | ADVOCACY

Coalition Plus, IDPC, HRI, INPUD, C-EHRN, INHSU, TAG | COVID-19: An Opportunity For POlicy Reform [June, 26th]

RCC-THV | Call to Action in Response to COVID-19 [May, 14th]

UNAIDS | Sex Workers Must not be Left Behind in the Response to COVID-19 [April, 8th]

TGEU | COVID-19 & Trans People [April, 6th]

INPUD, HRI, EHRA, IDPC et al | Call to Action COVID-19 – Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health [March, 31st]

Nobody Left Outside | EU and national government COVID-19 responses must reach everyone – including marginalised people [March, 26th]

UN Human Rights Experts | No Exceptions with COVID-19: Everyone Has the Right to Live-Saving Interventions | [March, 26th]

EATG | EATG statement on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic [March, 25th]

PICUM | The COVID-19 pandemic: We Need Urgent Measures to Protect People and Mend the Cracks in our Health, Social Protection and Migration Systems [March, 25th]

EUPHA | Statement by the EUPHA Migrant and ethnic minority health section on COVID-19 – CALL FOR ACTION [March, 24th]

UNAIDS | Rights in the time of COVID-19. Lessons from HIV for an effective, community-led response | Infographic | [March, 20th]

C-EHRN & EHRA | Harm Reduction Must Go On [March, 19th]

Human Rights Watch | Human Rights Dimensions of COVID-19 Response [March, 19th]

Global Rights / Susanna Ronconni | Prisoners Rights Matter! Statement | Article [March, 19th]

FEANTSA | COVID-19: “Staying Home” Not an Option for People Experiencing Homelessness [March, 18th]

ICRSE | COVID-19: Sex Workers Need Immediate Financial Support and Protection [March, 18th]

Penal Reform International | Coronavirus: Healthcare and Human Rights of People in Prison [March, 16th]

DPNSEE | Public Appeal to Protect Vulnerable Groups from COVID-19 [March, 2nd]

 

GUIDELINES | PROTOCOLS | GOOD PRACTICE

 

DRUG USE

EHRA | Harm reduction service delivery to people who use drugs during a public health emergency: Examples from the COVID-19 pandemic in selected countries [November 2020]

Manitoba Harm Reduction Network | Outreach Guidelines During COVID-19 [Updated, March, 26th]

EuroNPUD & INPUD & Respect Drug Users Rights | COVID-19: Advice for People who Use Drugs [March, 26th]

Forum Substitution Praxis | Newsletters on COVID-19 and Substitution Treatment [GER] [Update Daily]

Drug Reporter | How Harm Reducers Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe? [Last update: March, 20th]

MAINline | 8 Corona-Tips voor Mensen die Drugs Gebruiken [NL] [March, 20th]

AFEW International | Mental Health & Psychological Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak [March, 20th]

Scottish Drug Forum | Guidance on Contingency Planning for People who Use Drugs and COVID-19 (v1.0) [March, 19th]

Echele Cabeza | Consumo de Sustancias Psycoactivas en Cuarentena [SP] [March, 19th]

Zurich Drug Consumption Rooms | COVID-19 Protocols [March, 19th]

Metzineres | COVID-19 Harm Reaction Poster | Flyer (front) | Flyer (back) [March, 19th]

Energy Control | Party & Drugs in the Time of Coronavirus [March, 19th]

YALE | COVID-19 Guidance: Clinicians & Opioid Treatment Programs [March, 18th]

YALE | COVID-19 Guidance: Patients Engaged in Substance Use Treatment [March, 18th]

YALE | Guidance for People Who Use Substances on COVID-19 [March, 18th]

Arild Knutsen | An Open Letter on COVID-19 and PWUD [March, 17th]

DPNSEE | Instructions on Coronavirus for PWUD [Serb] [March, 16th]

Quality Assurance Commission for Substitution Treatment in Germany | Information on Opioid Substitution and COVID-19 – Advice for Physicians [March, 16th]

LANPUD | Drogas y COVID-19 [SP] [March, 14th]

INPUD | Harm Reduction for People Who Use Drugs [March, 13th]

Drug Policy Network SEE | Basic Protective Measures Against the New Coronavirus [March, 11th]

HRC | Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak [March, 11th]

HRC | Syringe Services and Harm Reduction Provider Operations During the COVID-19 Outbreak [March, 11th]

CREW | Coronavirus – General Hygiene Harm Reduction Tips [March, 4th]

 

SEX WORK

ICRSE | Sex Workers Response to COVID-19 in Europe and Central Asia [continuosly updated]
NYC Health | Information on Safer Sex during COVID-19 [March, 21st]
Butterfly Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network & Maggie’s Toronto Sex Workers Action Project |Sex work COVID-19: Guidelines for Sex Workers, Clients, Third Parties, and Allies [March, 19th]

 

HOMELESSNESS

FEANTSA | Seven Measures Authorities Must Take to Protect Homeless People form COVID [March, 31st]
CDC | Interim Guidance for Responding to COVID-19 among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness [March, 22nd]
Canadian Drug Policy Coalition | Homeless Shelter Bed Spacing for COVID-19 [March, 19th]
Welsh Government | Guidance for Substance Misuse and Homelessness Services (v1.0) [March, 19th]

 

PRISON

Dignity | Global Guidance & Recommendations on how to Prevent & Manage COVID-19 in Prisons [March, 25th]
WHO | Guidance on Preparedness, Prevention & Control of COVID-19 in Prisons & Places of Detention [March, 15th]

 

GENDER & SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Metzineres | Woman & Gender Non-Conforming People Who Use Drugs Surviving Violence During Quarantine [April, 8th]
NYC Health | Information on Safer Sex during COVID-19 [March, 21st]
GMSH | COVID-19: 2GBTQ MEN [March, 20th]
David Stuart | What does coronavirus (COVID-19) mean in regard to Chemsex? [March, 19th]
Energy Control | Party & Drugs in the Time of Coronavirus [March, 19th]

 

HIV, HCV & TBC

Alliance of Public Health | Practical Recommendations to Reshape a Sustainable Response to HIV/TB/HCV in the EECA Countries with COVID-19 Context [May, 14th]
WHO | Q&A on COVID-19, HIV & Antiretrovirals [March, 24th]
UNAIDS | What People Living with HIV Need to Know about HIV and COVID-19 [March, 19th]

 

MIGRATION

IASC | Interim Guidance on Scaling-up COVID-19 Outbreak in Readiness and Response Operations in Camps and Camp-like Settings [March, 17th]
Zolberg Institute on Migration and Mobility | Principles of Protection for Migrants, Refugees and Other Displaced Persons [   ]

 

CAPACITY BUILDING

STUDIES | REPORTS | ARTICLES

International Journal of Drug Policy | Chang, J., Agliata, J. & Marinieri, M. | COVID-19 – Enacting a ‘New Normal’ for PWUD [July, 3rd]

London School of Economics & Political Science | Saving Lives in the time of COVID-19. Case Study of Harm Reduction, Homelessness and Drug Use in Dublin, Ireland [July, 1st]

INPUD | Survey Report #1 – Health & Rights of PWUD in a COVID-19 Enviroment [June, 30th]

HRI | COVID-19, Prisons and Drug Policy | Global Scan [Last Update: June, 27th]

ICRSE & SWAN | COVID19 Crisis Impact on Access to Health Services for Sex Workers in Europe and Asia [June, 20th]

Open Society Foundations | 10 Lessons from HIV for the COVID-19 Response [June, 12th]

Global Drug Survey | GDS Global Special Edition on Covid-19 Interim Report [June, 2nd]

EMCDDA | EU Drug Markets Impact of COVID-19 [May, 29th]

EATG | Rapid Assessment #2: COVID-19 Impact on PLHIV and on Communities most affected by HIV [May, 28th]

EHRA | Harm reduction programmes during the COVID-19 crisis in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia [May, 26th]

EMCDDA | Trendspotter Briefing – Impact of COVID-19 on Drugs Services and Help-Seeking in Europe  [May, 12th]

National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Adiction Czech Republic | Rapid Assessment [April, 6th] | Rapid Assessment [May, 11th]

 

WEBINARS

FEANTSA | COVID19 & Rough Sleepers [June, 10th]

ISAM | 3rd Webinar on COVID19 and Substance Use [May, 7th]

Alliance for Public Health | COVID-19 Lessons: What can make HIV programs in EECA countries more sustainable? [May, 5th]

ISAM | 2nd Webinar on COVID19 and Substance Use [April, 15th]

INPUD, Medicines du Mond, HRI, UNDOC, WHO | COVID-19 Harm Reduction Programme Implementation [April, 6th]

International AIDS Society | COVID-19 & HIV: What you Need to Know [April, 3rd]

EU Health Policy Platform | COVID-19 European Coordinated Response to the Pandemic [April, 3rd]

CATIE |  Coping with COVID-19: Insight from the Front Lines of HIV, Hepatitis C & Harm Reduction [March, 26th]

Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Healthcare | COVID-19: a Systemic Crisis [March, 25th]

ICPA | Response to COVID-19 in Prisons | Slides | [March, 19th]

ISAM | COVID-19 and Substance Dependence [March, 19th]

Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts | Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and the COVID-19 [March, 19th]

HRC | Harm Reduction, COVID-19, and People Who Use Drugs [March, 18th]

 

 

INTERVIEWS & DIALOGUES

Drug Reporter Live Sessions | Stories From the Front Line

Norway | Arild Knutsen & Øystein Bruun Ericson [May, 11th]
The Netherlands | Cedric Charvet & Aukje Polder
Spain | Pedro Quesada & Nuria Calzada
Italy | Susanna Ronconi & Pino di Pino 
Czech Republic | David Pesek, Dominika Jasekova & Pavel Bem

GDS Corona Conversations | Dialogue Series with Various Guests (selection)

Steve Rolles | Transform Drug Policy Foundation [UK]
Niamh Eastwood | Release [UK]
Judy Chang | INPUD [UK]
Mat Southwell | EuroNPUD

 

PODCASTS

Crack Down |Emergency Measures [March, 20th]

Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris |How to Handle Coronavirus Anxiety | Special Edition [March, 14th]

Healing Justice | Coronavirus: Wisdom from a Social Justice Lens [March, 13th]

Leaving nobody outside our healthcare systems—in Europe or elsewhere

On November 25, 2019 the BMJ published the following opinion article encouraging the European Commission to support an EU-level knowledge platform to compile and share research and best practices in healthcare access for marginalised, underserved groups. Also, it calls for a joint action to improve access in these groups; healthcare staff training and capacity building via the European Social Fund+, and research to improve access to cancer screening and care among these groups. Lastly, it recommends that the commission should further prioritise a co-ordinated approach to addressing social determinants of health in all policies.