BWA Campaigns Go To Beirut!

Two campaigns designed by BWA were prominently featured at the 22nd International Harm Reduction Conference in Beirut, Lebanon held this month. The Methadone Man and Buprenorphine Babe campaign, sponsored by Open Society Foundations, and INPUD (International Network of People Who Use Drugs) received much attention and support from regional leaders. Throughout the conference, the costumed superhero duo, Methadone Man and Buprenorphine Babe, were seen engaging with conference attendees to build global support for much needed opioid substitution treatment programs. Additionally, members of INPUD took center stage at the conference gaining leadership support for the human rights of drug users, who are subjected to significant stigma and discrimination around the world.

BWA President Les Pappas and Director Carlos Moreno attended the conference with over 800 harm reduction supporters. The conference stressed the importance of campaigning for increased availability and access to life saving harm reduction treatment programs for drug users around the world, particularly in the Middle East. The region has traditionally been resistant to harm reduction efforts, such as needle exchange and methadone maintenance programs. Centered among the white pines of Beirut’s Sin el Fil district, the conference attracted the attention of regional policy makers and sparked coverage among local and international media.