Drug abuse in South Africa is a social ill that impacts our communities, not only the individuals who are dependent on narcotics use. According to the Global State of Harm Reduction report, South Africa has the biggest market for methamphetamine which is the core ingredient for Tik and crystal meth. Other drugs that have been flagged as on the rise are opioids which is the core ingredient for nyaope and wonga. While the government is beginning to consider policy changes towards less punitive measures in the form of the National Drug Master Plan (2019-2024), we still have not made a shift in perspective surrounding drugs and how to support people who use drugs within communities. There have been calls made by experts for the government to consider harm reduction as an approach to not only address substance abuse but bolster rehabilitation services while reducing health risks. 

Guest: Shaun Shelley - Director of Drug Policy at the TB/HIV Care

Guest: Dr. Andrew Scheibe (Medical Doctor) - Researcher at the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria