Asian Harm Reduction Network                 www.ahrn.net
Asia
1.[Afghanistan] Number Of New HIV Cases Reported In Afghanistan Increasing, Health Ministry Says
01/07/08 by AIDS ASIA
Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday reported that more than 400 new HIV cases have been recorded in the country, Xinhuanet reports. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is relatively low in Afghanistan, the ministry said there are many potential risk factors that could spread the virus.
2.[India] Consultative mechanism on de-addiction coming
16/07/08 by The Hindu
NEW DELHI: The government has decided to set up a consultative mechanism on de-addiction at the national level. A national consultative committee on de-addiction and rehabilitation (NCCDR) is to be constituted.
3. [Nepal] Comment: Know your epidemic
14/07/08 by Prem Limbu, Nepal
The leaders and the Government in Nepal still do not know the epidemic.
Global
4.Beyond 2008 a truly remarkable event
12/07/08 by INI
Earlier this week, 7-9 July, 300 delegates met in Vienna for the Beyond 2008 NGO Forum meant to provide civil society input for the 10-year UNGASS review.
5.Methadone is legal under the UN Drug Conventions, according to UN Drug Conventions!
05/07/08 by IHRA
Over the past week, the IHRA HR2 team has been reading through the copies of the Official Commentaries on the 1961, 1971 and 1988 UN Drug Conventions, as well as the Commentary to the 1972 Protocol amending the 1961 Convention.
Outside Asia
6.[Russia] Interruptions in ARV drugs supply again
05/07/08 by ITPCru
For the past month several regions in Russia report interruptions with provision of antiretroviral treatment for patients with HIV. This situation, despite increased funding and demonstrated preparedness of the Russian Government to ensure universal access, is repeating for the third time within three previous years since mass treatment was made available at the national level.
7.[Canada] Harm reduction isn't rehab
15/07/08 by National
What Margaret Wente deplores, but fails to openly condemn, are the consequences of drug prohibition, one of which is the need for harm reduction (They're Sick Of Watching People Die - July 12).