A/79/177 Abuse launched a harm reduction research network to generate and disseminate data on novel harm reduction approaches, settings and strategies to address barriers. The United States does not have universal health coverage, however, the percentage of people who do not have health insurance is at an all-time low in the country. Most public insurance programmes, such as Medicaid, and some private insurance programmes do cover certain harm reduction services such as naloxone and other opioid overdose reversal medications. These advancements in coverage for harm reduction services are a critical way to support expanded access to life -saving interventions in the country. 227 110. In Azerbaijan, the implementation of the harm reduction programme ensures the access of high-risk population groups to medical services. The programme provides social adaptation and integration of people who inject drugs into society, prevention of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections and infections transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, and treating co-morbidities (such as tuberculosis, diabetes or mental disorders), thereby reducing complications related to injection drug use and increasing the efficiency of medical services provided to women who take drugs before and after childbirth. During the strict quarantine regime during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with medical therapy, individual and group psychological assistance were provided in a virtual format. 228 111. In Lebanon, for example, where the financial crisis led to a shortage of opioid agonist therapy, drug harm reduction organizations coordinated the rationing of existing stock. They sought cheaper medication alternatives, secured funding and donations from international donors and worked with United Nations entities, including WHO, to facilitate the reception and handover of medications to the Ministry of Public Health. In addition, local civil society organizations mobilized resources to procure and provide naloxone for those most at risk and covered hospitalization costs for detoxification of individuals adversely affected by the sudden decrease in opioid agonist therapy medication dosages. 229 112. In countries in the Eastern European region, civil society organizations have supported several projects aimed at increasing access to comprehensive care for women, as well as specific training sessions for police, harm reduction professionals and social care workers. 230 113. In Colombia, the new drug policy aims to achieve a change in the narratives about people who use drugs and within its strategic actions it aims to work with health personnel to eliminate stigma and discrimination and promote care based on public health and human rights. In different territories, the following services are provided: prevention and psychoeducational interventions; early detection, including screening for sexually transmitted infections and for mental health; the delivery of material, including for injection; education for the prevention of sexual risks among others; prevention of and care for overdose through naloxone; and the activation of differentiated channels for persons with specific needs, including mothers, minors, older persons or populations with comorbidities. 231 To address underlying stigma and promote social and cultural transformation, the “Detoxifying Narratives” project led by Elementa seeks to make visible the role that the media, decision makers and opinion leaders have played in replicating the language of prohibition, thereby leading to human rights violations. The project has helped to shift narratives around drug use, informing the national drug policy in Colombia and raising awareness of __________________ 227 228 229 230 231 24-13226 Submission Submission Submission Submission Submission from the United States. from Azerbaijan. from Skoun. from Eurasian Harm Reduction Association. from Colombia. 25/28