WHO Revised Operational Guide: Needle and Syringe Programmes (NSP) for People Who Inject Drugs

Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 5 – 6:15 AM

RSVP

Description:

Needle and syringe programmes (NSPs) are highly effective harm reduction interventions, yet under-implemented globally. The revised WHO operational guide, along with complementary efforts and ground-breaking projects, aim to expand access and improve implementation.

This webinar will highlight the operational guides’ objectives, provide country examples of success, and discuss the broader context for scaling NSPs.

Presenters:

• Tereza Kasaeva, Director, Department of HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections·WHO
• Antons Mozalevskis, Technical Officer for Key Populations, Department of HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections·WHO
• Annie Madden, Project Lead·International Network for People who Use Drugs (INPUD)
• Kanishk Gupta, Market Shaping Officer·PATH
• Moderator: Niklas Luhmann
• Lisa Maher, Head, Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Prevention Program·Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
• Thet Soe Aung, Prevention Advisor·Médecins du Monde (MdM)
• Ehab Salah, Advisor on Prisons and HIV, HIV/AIDS Section·The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Objectives:

This session will:
1. Provide an overview of the revised WHO NSP operational guide
2. Highlight how implementation evidence is shaping policy directions
3. Share strong country examples demonstrating scale and sustainability
4. Discuss considerations for programmes, funders, and community-led responses

RSVP