The year 2023 commemorates the Silver Jubilee of the Harm Reduction Programme in Bangladesh, a significant milestone marking 25 years of persistent endeavour to curtail the detrimental effects of drug use, which has helped prevent the spread of HIV, and enhanced the overall health and livelihood of people who inject drugs (PWID).

To celebrate this landmark achievement, the Network of People Who Use Drugs (NPUD) hosted a comprehensive day-long event to honour the visionaries behind the programme, reflect upon past victories, discuss strategies for the future, and strengthen collective resolve towards harm reduction. UNAIDS and UNODC jointly supported the event financially and technically.

Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, graced the Silver Jubilee event as the Chief Guest and committed to support the PWID and their families so they could continue to aspire for a better and healthier life. Representatives from the Department of Narcotics Control, AIDS/STD Programme, UNAIDS, Care, Save the Children and icddr,b delivered inspiring speeches as Special Guests and committed to strengthening support to all harm reduction strategies and activities. Participants from the NPUD, NGOs, UN Agencies and government departments highlighted the challenges, how those were overcome and how future challenges would continue to be overcome so each and every individual can contribute to the country positively.

Past and present peer workers of the harm reduction programme for PWID were acknowledged and honoured for their contributions towards the country’s fight against HIV infections among PWID.