On the 15th day of the World Federation Against Drugs’ (WFAD) 16 Days of Activism, we spotlight the urgent need to protect the rights of key populations at risk of HIV/AIDS and their intersection with gender-based violence (GBV) and substance use disorders (SUDs).

At a recent seminar organized by Dhaka Ahsania Mission on World AIDS Day, experts shed light on the critical vulnerabilities faced by People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) and sex workers—two groups disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. These populations not only grapple with barriers to healthcare and social security services but also endure widespread stigma, discrimination, and GBV.

Dr. Ronawok Khan from Save the Children highlighted that gender-based violence is a pervasive challenge for key populations. This violence exacerbates their marginalization and directly impacts their health and safety, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability to HIV and substance use.

Dr. Saima Khan of UNAIDS Bangladesh emphasized society’s collective responsibility to uphold the human rights of these populations, stating that they are too often subjected to oppression and denied access to essential protections.

The seminar underscored a stark reality: GBV and SUDs are deeply intertwined. Survivors of violence—especially women in key populations—frequently turn to substances as coping mechanisms, which in turn increases their risk of HIV transmission. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that prioritizes harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and the dismantling of societal stigma.

As we reflect on the themes of WFAD’s activism, this seminar serves as a call to action. Let us advocate for:

• Comprehensive healthcare access for key populations.
• Harm reduction strategies that recognize the unique needs of individuals affected by GBV and SUDs.
• Community-driven solutions to dismantle stigma and support healing and empowerment.

Together, we can build a future where human rights are universally upheld, and the intersecting challenges of GBV, SUDs, and HIV/AIDS are addressed with compassion and urgency.

#16DaysOfActivism #EndGenderBasedViolence #HIVPrevention #SubstanceUseDisorder #HumanRights

Original Article by Dhaka Ahsania Mission