Kuala Lumpur – 19 November 2015

MENAHRA Presents Religious Leaders Guide at the International Harm Reduction Conference

The 24th International Harm Reduction Conference in Kuala Lumpur, organized by Harm Reduction International (HRI), began its first day with a number of sessions on leadership and pioneering in harm reduction programs. The MENAHRA Network Coordinator, Ms. Micheline Abou Chrouch presented the MENAHRA Religious Leaders Guide in a session on Religious Perspective on Harm Reduction. Ms. Abou Chrouch highlighted the positive role of the MENA religious leaders who supported harm reduction, people who use drugs, and HIV prevention. Despite the challenges faced in the region, Ms. Abou Chrouch discussed the extent to which religious leaders can contribute to fighting stigma, discrimination, and breaking the cultural barriers towards people who use drugs in the MENA region.

To conclude the session, Ms. Abou Chrouch presented the MENAHRA Religious Leaders Guide that is being used as a tool by various religious figures and their peers to support people who use drugs in the region.