[ Skip to main content ]

 

In early December, we held our 2021 NZ Drug Foundation AGM online, joined by over 100 members and 120 people watching live via Facebook. We had the honour of being joined by four exceptional guest speakers, who explored how drug policy has affected Covid-19 responses both here and overseas.

Drug harm and Covid-19 are both intricately entwined public health issues that our society is working to solve. Our first speaker, epidemiologist Prof. Michael Baker, knows just how effective good drug policy can be in tackling epidemics, having worked to set up the world-leading needle exchange program in the ‘80s as part of a response to HIV/AIDS. We heard from Prof Baker about the parallels between HIV/AIDS and Covid-19, and how drug policy in Aotearoa has contributed to a failure to control Covid-19 Delta.

Watch Prof Baker’s full talk here:

We also heard from the Right Honourable Helen Clark, former Prime Minister. Helen spoke eloquently on decriminalization and the Global Commission for Drug Policy’s new report, which calls for an end to prohibition.

Finally, we were joined by Canadian experts from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Dr Amanda Slaunwhite and Dr Heather Palis. Dr Slaunwhite outlined the ‘dual public health crisis’ that British Columbia is facing: overdoses and Covid-19, and how ‘safe supply’ of prescribed drugs can help reduce reliance on risky illicit drugs. Dr Palis ran us through the compelling data that shows safe supply is reducing overdoses and improving the region’s Covid-19 response.

You can watch the full AGM video here.

Thank you to all who joined us for this AGM. Reflecting on the year, we’ve achieved so much despite the continual challenges of Covid-19. From funding vital opioid overdose medication naloxone, to finally making drug checking legal for good, we’re really proud of everyone working in the alcohol and other drug space to reduce harm.  A huge thanks to our members, who inform our work, support us and celebrate the wins with us.

Share:

Related See more

STD Pae ora forum 2023 v1

NZ Drug Foundation Lived and Living Experience Forum: Pae Ora - Our Health 2023

Join the NZ Drug Foundation's Lived & Living Experience Forum: Pae Ora - Our Health. Connect, learn, & collaborate to improve hauora needs.

STD Parliamentary symposium 2023 v1

NZ Drug Foundation Parliamentary Symposium 2023

Join the 2023 NZ Drug Foundation Symposium to address health needs, explore psychedelics, and discuss overdose prevention in Aotearoa.

DSC9644 1

Report: What we found at drug checking in 2022

Our findings from our first full year as a licensed drug checking provider.

MicrosoftTeams image 11

Director's Cut: December 2020

Newly appointed Executive Director Sarah provides some insight and hope as we near the end of 2020.

The Level promo

Straight up guide for people who use drugs

The Level is for real people, in real life, whatever level they are at.

The Level

social graphic subscribe

Subscribe to email updates

Get regular news, analysis and commentary on drug issues in New Zealand. Free.

Sign up now!

Back to top