Ensuring Health Access for Key Populations – Support. Don’t Punish
The Burundian Association for Preventive Medicine and Development (ABMPD) is committed to protecting the health and rights of vulnerable communities, with a focus on people who use drugs and other key populations.
In line with the international campaign “Support. Don’t Punish”, we stress that criminalization of drug use and marginalization of key populations prevent people from accessing essential health services, including HIV and hepatitis prevention, harm reduction, and social support programs.
Our advocacy priorities include:
Guaranteeing access to comprehensive health care for people who use drugs and other key populations.
Promoting harm reduction services, such as needle exchange programs, opioid substitution therapy, and psychosocial support.
Raising awareness and educating communities to reduce stigma and discrimination against key populations.
Supporting social and economic reintegration, helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives.
Engaging policymakers, communities, and families to adopt a compassionate, health-centered approach rather than punitive measures.
We call on governments, civil society, and partners to prioritize health over punishment, ensuring that everyone, especially key populations, can access life-saving services without fear or discrimination.
ABMPD – Supporting key populations, saving lives, because health comes first.