By Namaram Kishalaya (Dodo)
(Pic: Participants at the Meghalaya State Specific Harm Reduction Meet held at UNODC building at Shillong on 7 December 2009.)
SHILLONG, NE-India, 7 Dec 2009: The state specific meeting on harm reduction for the state of Meghalaya was organised by North East India Harm Reduction Network, NEIHRN today at the conference hall of the United Nations Office for Drug Control, UNODC office located at Sympli Building, Dhankheti, Shillong.
Altogether 21 participants from various government and non-governmental organisation working in the field of HIV/AIDS and drug use in Meghalaya participated the meeting.
The meeting resolved to initiate a holistic approach with regards to harm reduction activities in the state of Meghalaya and pointed out that the state being a hub for educational institution for the region, harm reduction intervention programmes for young people and students is a must.
The ever changing lifestyles and culture with regards to drug use has necessitated an immediate intevention to prevent them from harmful consequences, the meeting pointed out.
It also resolved to address the issues regarding the discontinuation of certain Targetted Intervention, TI services in the state and identified as a crisis situation. The lack of such intervention had caused a gap and hence created a risk among certain population including female sex workers, FSW.
No study or research on harm reduction has ever been conducted in the state and hence the meeting resolved to conduct a baseline survey and have a strategic planning with consultation with Meghalaya State AIDS Control Society, MSACS.
The meeting also resolved to have Faith Based Organisation, FBOs on board the network and involve in future implementation of programme, and in conducting need assessment and measure its effectiveness.
The Look East Policy in its present form has its premise on a subjugated appendix to economic development. The developmental projects, such as the coal mine industry exploits small children employing them in hazardous condition and abuse them hence violating their rights and increase in human trafficking.