Supporting programmes, saving lives
The Asian Harm Reduction Network (AHRN) is the only project of its kind in the region. AHRN is a regional information and support network created to link and support the courageous people operating programmes providing assistance to injecting drug users in Asia to prevent HIV transmission. Hundreds of individuals and organisations contribute to the network's development while AHRN is recognized by UNAIDS as a Best Practice model, acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a key partner in the response to HIV/AIDS in Asia. In addition, many governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who see harm reduction and networking as key approaches in the effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS call upon AHRN for expert assistance. More recently, AHRN's certification, performed by the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) in 2005, for complying with international operating standards demonstrates the commitment to accountability and transparency while further empowering it to deliver such assessments and certifications to other NGOs.

AHRN is involved in five key activities
- Networking
- Information sharing
- Advocacy and support for harm reduction enabling policies
- Programme and policy development
- Training and capacity building

These activities essentially translate into a range of services, including the development of strategic partnerships with international organisations, the inclusion and representation of civil society groups at key events and meetings, a resource centre (online and offline library), publication of a newsletter and electronic reports.

In support of these five key areas, AHRN also conducts research. To date, AHRN has been able to contribute to the mapping of harm reduction programmes and policies in Asia, an evaluation of ARV access among IDUs, and a multi-site research on the environmental factors that shape the drug careers of young people.

All these activities assist service providers achieve their objectives and missions and significantly contribute to the reduction of harms associated with injecting drug use in Asia, especially HIV transmission

AHRN is run by programmes for programmes. The network links and support programmes with a range of services, including a resource centre, newsletter, special reports, training programmes, curriculums and manuals, and technical assistance. AHRN's main goal is to promote activities that contribute to the prevention of HIV and other harms associated with drug use.

At the core, the organisational activities are underpinned by network-based solutions, that is, member-driven and operated strategies through which proven capacity within the network is drawn from the membership and utilised to build or expand the capacity of other
members.

Indeed, since its foundation in 1996, AHRN has been successful in building an effective organisational structure based on networking as a key activity. Indeed, AHRN has been able to elicit interest among INGOs, local NGOs, donors and civil society, and further raise awareness relating to harm reduction in Asia through linkages with key partners. By the end of 2005, over 1,600 stakeholders, of which 64% are based in Asia, were receiving regular information updates through AHRN’s various information services, up from 1,063 in January of the same year.

Objectives
- To establish a sustainable harm reduction network based in Asia;
- To develop a more comprehensive understanding of patterns of injecting drug use and associated harms (especially HIV infection) in Asian countries;
- To provide a forum which will encourage communication and information exchange between individuals, organisations and countries participating in the network;
- To provide training and support for individuals and organisations in Asia, sharing core skills and a coherent philosophy which can underpin their work;
- To facilitate policy and programme development at NGO, government, regional and international levels; and
- To promote national harm reduction networks.

To learn more about AHRN and its projects and activities, read the AHRN Brochure or download the regularly updated AHRN Capacity Statement!

Management
AHRN's legal status in Thailand is embedded in the HIV/AIDS Harm Reduction Foundation, formally established in 1999 in Thailand. The Foundation board currently consists of the following persons:

Dr Jaroon Jittiwuttikarn - Chairperson
Dr Apinun Aramrattana - Vice Chair
Dr Usa Duongsaa - Member
Pol. Lt. Wuthi Vititanon - Member
Mr Kriengsak Porpoach - Member/ Treasurer
Ms Sirinate Piyajitpirat - Secretary

AHRN is funded by the Royal Dutch Government. Other sources of funding include the Fund for HIV/AIDS in Myanmar (3-D FUND).

Supporting AHRN
By joining our database
By letting us know about other groups and individuals who should be part of AHRN
By providing articles, photographs, videos/films and reports for our newsletter, resource centre and website
By expressing your views, needs and opinions
By stimulating harm reduction activities in your own country
By supporting AHRN financially

Funding For AHRN Comes Through:
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Australian Government's Overseas Aid Programme (AusAID)
International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA)
Open Society Institute - Harm Reduction Development Programme (OSI-IHRD)
Three Diseases Fund
Alphawood Foundation

AHRN Staff

Ton Smits, MPH Executive Director

Kannika Wangnai Executive Secretary

Clearinghouse Unit

Baralee Meesukh Clearinghouse Coordinator
Ekkachit Krerkkaiwan Creative Arts Officer	Prasit Utalert IT Officer

Training Unit

Siddharth Singh Technical Team Leader	Paul Hardacre Technical Advisor
Mark Barrett RAR Manager	Umaporn Petchlim Training Officer
Jintana Hemthanon Training Officer	Hathaithep Sirapanich Training Officer
Chantawarang Prayadphol GFATM Project Liaison Officer

Fundraising

Gerard de Kort Development Manager

Administration			Human Resources
Jantima Sukpordee Finance and Administration Manager			Adisai Daengdej, Human Resources Manager
Supattra Changchamrat Senior Accounting Officer and Controller	Natthinee Jantawaree Administrative Assistant