I 23, V 42

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Outlook Newspaper The American University of Beirut

Vol. XLII, No. 23 |Tuesday, February 11, 2010 | The Independent Student Publication Since 1949

International Harm Reduction Conference 2010 Lynn Itani Staff Writer

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espite the travel disruptions that were incurred by the volcanic ash, around 1000 people from all around the world gathered in the city that hosted the first international harm reduction conference in 1990 – Liverpool, England. This harm reduction conference was mainly organized by the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) and was supported by several organizations including the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, and Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA). The theme of the conference was “Harm Reduction: The Next Generation,” yet so many may be wondering – what is harm reduction, what is the purpose of Youth RISE, and what is the status of harm reduction in the Middle East region? Harm reduction is currently supported by 93 countries

Photo Outlook Staff

and it refers to the “policies, programs, and activities that aim to reduce the harms associated with drugs” on the individual, family and society. Harm reduction initia-

tives vary but include needle-exchange programs that reduce the risky behavior of needle-sharing, moderate drinking, distribution of contraceptives, educa-

tion, peer outreach, methadone maintenance, safer use sites and drug policy reform. It adopts a human rights approach that also intends to eliminate the stigmatiza-

tion of drug users advocating for their social inclusion and removing barriers to health services. Harm reduction is essential since despite the strongest prevention efforts, drug use still exists as a result of vulnerabilities such as poverty, age, war, imprisonment or poor access to treatment, for example. The associated public health risks include transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and bacterial infection among and from drug users in addition to death from overdose. Thus, it is important to understand that harm reduction does not promote drugs, but aims to complements prevention efforts. It is evidence based, easy to implement and cost-effective – it shows a high benefit on community health for little cost. These benefits include reducing the spread of infections, reducing risky drug use, eduContinued on page 4

OSB beats the odds Timmy Malkoun Staff Writer

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INSIDE

rivia Night, one of AUB’s rising traditions, brought together audience-members and participants alike on the night of Thursday May 6. The Red-Cross and UNESCO Club organized event targeted towards raising awareness about and raising funds for domestic workers in the country attracted AUB students from all faculties and years under one

Editorial & Opinion Trivia & Games Campus News Life & Culture

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banner—fun and general knowledge. Perhaps one of the primary reasons that can explain the large turnout was the celebrity host, Hicham Haddad, who has gained much prominence recently due to his hit TV show, “Lol.” For much of the night he had the audience captivated, though often via inappropriate and verging on offensive jokes. The first round commenced with teams from each of the six faculties going against one other team. The order

2 3 Letter to the Editor 12 4-8 Entertainment 14-15 9-11 Out of The Box 16

and selection of opponents was done randomly, through a live drawing. This initial round begun with FAFS going against FEA, the result being a victory of the former over the latter. Next, OSB won FHS. Finally FAS beat FM (Faculty of Medicine). One problem that persisted throughout this particular round was with the buzzards, as some teams were pressing theirs prematurely. AnContinued on page 4

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