Latest Activities
The 56th UNAID Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) 2025
The ongoing 56th UNAID Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) meeting from 24th to 26th June, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The UNAIDS Executive Director outlined a pressing vision for the global HIV response amidst declining financial support. Key points from the report include:
• Critical Funding Decline: In 2024, Official Development Assistance (ODA) for HIV/AIDS programs decreased by 7% (OECD data). Compounding this, our largest donor has abruptly withdrawn, with others following suit, creating a significant funding gap just as the HIV epidemic risks resurging.
• Rising HIV Incidence and Mortality: Without immediate action, daily new HIV infections could reach 5,800, with approximately 2,400 deaths, threatening progress toward ending AIDS by 2030.
• Innovative Financing Approaches Needed: To navigate this crisis, we must expand beyond traditional health funding. Empowering low and middle-income countries to own their HIV responses requires increasing their fiscal space for sustained investment.
• Global Leadership and Strategic Reform: The UN Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative envisions transformative change. Efforts are underway to review the Joint Programme’s operating model and develop the next Global AIDS Strategy, emphasizing the urgency of adaptable, resilient responses in our current financial climate.
In conclusion, UNAIDS has issued an urgent appeal for support. Despite these challenges, the commitment to ending AIDS remains strong. We are adapting our strategies—together, we can overcome these hurdles.
AfricaNPUD Voice: Prioritizing People Who Use Drugs
Our own Regional Coordinator, Ahmed Said, delivered a compelling intervention highlighting the unique challenges faced by people who use drugs in Africa. He emphasized that real progress depends on prioritizing the health and human rights of this often-marginalized community. Criminalization, stigma, limited access to harm reduction services and lack of funding to people who use drugs led organizations continue to exacerbate HIV transmission across our region.
Ahmed called for innovative, evidence-based solutions in response to the global crisis. He urged UNAIDS, donors and member states to scale up harm reduction interventions—such as needle syringe programs (NSP), opioid agonist therapy (OAT), and naloxone distribution across Africa. Notably, he pointed out that roughly $100 billion is spent globally on drug law enforcement annually, yet only about $151 million (around 1.5% of law enforcement budgets) is needed to fund harm reduction efforts, an urgent imbalance requiring correction.
He advocates for a shift toward a health-centered approach that respects dignity, reduces harm, and promotes human rights and dignity. Decriminalizing drug use and investing in harm reduction are crucial steps to reduce HIV transmission and improve health outcomes for people who use drugs.
Eastern & Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD)
Eastern & Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD) held its Fourth High-Level Consultation Meeting and launched the flagship report on June 16–17, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. This gathering aimed to forge impactful recommendations for political and civil society leaders on drug policy reform, driven by rigorous research; to galvanize public awareness and political commitment; and to strengthen regional and local capacities to effectively address the drug challenge.
At this pivotal event, AfricaNPUD’s Regional Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Said, emphasized the critical importance of adopting a partnership approach with people who use drugs. He passionately articulated, “We should stop looking at people who use drugs as problems to be solved—rather, we should be recognized as partners with solutions.” His message underscores a shift towards inclusive, health-centered strategies that involve people who use drugs in policy making and program design.
Mr. Said presented a compelling statement highlighting key areas for transformation:
• Re-imagining drug policies across Africa to prioritize human rights and health
• Expanding Harm Reduction Services to save lives
• Promoting Community-Led Approaches grounded in local realities
• Fostering Economic Empowerment for vulnerable populations
• Centering the Voices of People Who Use Drugs to create effective and compassionate solutions
This approach champions dignity and partnership, positioning those most affected not as obstacles but as vital agents of change in the pursuit of safer, fairer drug policies across Africa and in the world.
The 55th UNAIDS PCB
“It is essential for member states to prioritize policies aimed at clearing the criminal records of individuals arrested solely for personal drug use. This could involve implementing expungement processes, providing pathways for record sealing, and offering support for those looking to reintegrate into the workforce. Efforts in this direction will not only aid individuals but also positively impact communities, fostering a healthier, and more inclusive society. I dare say your Excellency that we’re all potential convicts and as we solve this, we’re not only solving for the people who use drugs rather for the larger society across the globe.”
Rules are flexible for those who have money, rules serve those in power. However, rules bind, bend and oppress those with neither money nor power. We don’t deserve lifetime punishment after serving our sentence.”
Ahmed Said Regional Coordinator Africanpud addressing Member States at 55th UNAIDS PCB about expunging criminal records for people who use drugs that have experience criminal justice systems due to personal consumption. People who use drugs face barriers in accessing legal documentation and securing job opportunities due to criminal records associated with drug use consumption.
Governance Strengthening Workshop in Zimbabwe.
AfricaNPUD Completes Successful Governance Strengthening Workshop in Zimbabwe.
From November 13th to 15th, 2024, AfricaNPUD hosted a transformative governance-strengthening workshop for its Board of Trustees and Secretariat in Harare, Zimbabwe. This workshop, held at the Cresta Jameson Hotel, was supported by RCF Core Support and Love Alliance Projects and focused on equipping AfricaNPUD’s leadership with essential skills for effective organizational governance, financial oversight, and advocacy. By fostering a collaborative learning environment, the workshop aimed to reinforce the leadership structure within AfricaNPUD
Together, we can make a difference!
Across Africa, the crisis surrounding people who use drugs is real, and the need for the Harm Reduction Bill 2024 is urgent. This landmark legislation is crucial in safeguarding the human rights of those affected and promoting public health.
Recently, UNITE led a delegation to engage with the National Assembly and Senate Health Committee of Kenya, alongside the Africa Network of People Who Use Drugs. We discussed the pressing dynamics of people who use drugs in Africa and highlighted the importance of effective, humane policies.
As the Harm Reduction Bill approaches its Second Reading, let’s unite our voices for change! Advocate for compassionate policies that save lives and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Join the conversation and support the movement for justice and health!
