In support of the new national policy on managing drug-related risks in Cameroon, the POSIAPUD project is developing in Yaoundé and Douala a community-based package of integrated, adapted and accessible services for people who use drugs (PWUD).
Context
In Cameroon, drug use has increased over the past ten years, with users becoming younger and the range of substances consumed diversifying. In a context where legislation remains largely punitive and existing initiatives focus mainly on HIV/STI prevention, the National Committee for the Fight against Drugs (CNLD) has incorporated harm reduction into its 2024–2030 strategic plan; however, operational policy is still limited and available resources remain insufficient. Community actors currently provide the bulk of local access; structuring, strengthening and securing this response is therefore necessary.
Description
To ensure quality health access for PWUD, POSIAPUD implements a structured community intervention comprising:
- Integrated service offer: provision of a holistic package (primary care, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and STI screening, management of comorbidities) delivered through a fixed-site and mobile strategy (two mobile health units);
- Community strengthening: structuring and consolidation of community-based organisations, training for peer workers and providers, equipping centres, and exchanges of good practices;
- Monitoring, research and documentation: data collection and a gendered cross-sectional study (prevalence, consumption patterns), development of a digital tool enriched with indicators, and data capitalisation for advocacy;
- Advocacy and governance: support to the CNLD for the development and operationalisation of a harm-reduction policy (including preparation for high-impact actions: provision of injection equipment, overdose prevention, opioid substitution therapy), public communication and capacity-building for stakeholders.
Impact
POSIAPUD aims to strengthen respect for the rights of PWUD and expand access to integrated care for nearly 2,800 people who use drugs (20% of whom are women). The project seeks to improve HIV/TB care, reduce stigma, consolidate community actors’ capacities and prepare for the sustainable rollout of national harm-reduction measures.
