Activities
some of OpV activities in 2009
OpV has worked on an awarness program on harm reduction, among the at-risk population, leading multiple counselling and peer to peer meetings with IDUs ( Injecting Drug Users), MSM (Homosexuals) and CSW (Commercial Sex Workers), offering directions on safe practices, referrals and a distribution of condoms, clean needles, lubs and brochures containing directions and information about HIV and other STDs.
OpV introduced the Mobile Unit in Damour, which ran across the streets of Chouf promoting safe practices and offering free and discreet HIV tests, as well as counseling as part of OpV’s program on harm reduction and awareness on HIV and other STDs including hepatitus B & C.
OpV started offering free HIV tests at its office in damour, where tests are being lead by a specialized and trained team, alongside theconstant free distribution of condoms and other materials promoting safe practices amongst the at-risk-groups mentioned above.
OpV held counseling groups at its offices with CSW, MSM, and IDUs. During these counseling sessions, OpV explained the dangers accompagning those behaviors and the means for safe practices. It also offered referrals for those who asked for it, as well as assistance of different kinds, alongside the usual distribution of condoms, clean needles and brochures explaining safe practices.
OpV took part in many regional conferences on Harm Reduction, especially the MENAHRA’s conference in Beirut, where we discussed new methods for Harm reduction and awareness campaigns. New dangers were also discussed as we worked in collaboration with local and regional NGOs, notably SIDC, MENAHRA and others.