Glossary
Empowering Change: A Harm Reduction Glossary
Dive into the world of harm reduction with ‘Harm Reduction Unveiled.’ This glossary is your essential guide to compassionate and effective strategies for safer communities.
AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that weakens the immune system.
ART: Antiretroviral Therapy, a treatment that uses medication to suppress the replication of HIV in the body.
CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
DCHQ: Drug Control Headquarters, an organization responsible for coordinating drug control efforts.
DIC: Drop-In Center, a facility where individuals can access various support services without an appointment or formal arrangement.
EMRO: East Mediterranean Regional Office, a regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) responsible for the Middle East region.
GFATM: Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, an international financing organization that supports programs to combat these diseases.
GTZ: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit, now known as GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), a German development agency.
HBV: Hepatitis B, a viral infection that affects the liver.
HCV: Hepatitis C, a viral infection that primarily affects the liver.
HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
HR: Harm Reduction, a public health approach that aims to minimize the negative consequences of drug use and promote healthier behaviors.
HRI: Harm Reduction International, formerly known as IHRA (International Harm Reduction Association), an organization advocating for harm reduction policies and practices worldwide.
I.R.I: Islamic Republic of Iran, a country in the Middle East.
IEC: Information, Education, Communication, a strategy that uses various methods to promote awareness and understanding of specific issues.
IHRA: International Harm Reduction Association, now known as HRI (Harm Reduction International), an organization promoting harm reduction approaches to drug use.
INCAS: Iranian National Center for Addictions and Studies, a research institution focused on addiction studies in Iran.
KH: Knowledge Hub, a center of expertise and knowledge sharing on a specific topic or area.
MDM: Médecins du Monde, an international humanitarian organization providing medical and social support to vulnerable populations.
MENAHRA: Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association, a network of organizations and knowledge hubs working on harm reduction strategies in the MENA region.
MMT: Methadone Maintenance Treatment, a form of opioid substitution therapy that uses methadone to manage opioid dependence.
NSP: Needles and Syringes Programmes, initiatives that provide sterile needles and syringes to reduce the transmission of blood-borne infections among people who inject drugs.
OST: Opioid Substitution Treatment, a form of therapy that replaces illicit opioid use with prescribed medications to manage opioid dependence.
PIG: Project Implementation Group, a group responsible for overseeing the implementation of a specific project.
PMG: Project Management Group, a team responsible for managing and coordinating a project’s activities and resources.
SIDC: Soins Infirmiers et Développement Communautaire, a French term meaning “Nursing and Community Development,” likely referring to a healthcare organization.
STI: Sexually Transmitted Infections, infections transmitted through sexual contact.
TB: Tuberculosis, an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs.
UNODC: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a UN agency responsible for addressing issues related to illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism.
VCT: Voluntary Testing and Counselling, a service that provides HIV testing and counseling on a voluntary basis.
WHO: World Health Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
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