Webinar. What can we learn from the COVID-19 pandemic? COVID-19 and the impact on harm reduction in Europe
Webinar. What can we learn from the COVID-19 pandemic? COVID-19 and the impact on harm reduction in Europe
Since the beginning of 2020, European countries have experienced an unprecedented public health threat with the emergence of COVID-19. In response to the pandemic European countries have implemented a variety of virus containment strategies along with various service closures and reductions. People who use drugs are particularly susceptible to the changes wrought by this pandemic. Border closures cause major disruptions to drug supply chains and vital harm reduction services face potential closures and shortages of sterile supplies. PWUD can face additional risks of COVID-19 due to crowded living situations and unstable housing, sharing of drug equipment in addition to stigma and marginalization preventing health-seeking behaviors. In addition, PWUD in Europe often have underlying chronic medical conditions, such as Hepatitis C, placing them at further risk of severe respiratory illness should they fall ill with COVID-19.
In this session, we will discuss the lessons learnt and the way forward from a diversity of perspectives.
European Harm Reduction Session WHO, EMCDDA, EuroNPud u.a. (01:58:47)