Palani Narayanan is a specialist with over 35 years of experience in key population health, HIV/TB, drug use, harm reduction, and drug policy. A pioneer in the field of harm reduction in Malaysia and Asia, Palani founded the first harm reduction programme in Malaysia and later served as the inaugural Chairperson of the Asian Harm Reduction Network.

Throughout his career, Palani has worked with and advised international organizations, donor agencies, community groups, and governments globally, including the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. His expertise has helped shape the direction of harm reduction and drug policy across numerous countries and regions.

Notable career highlights include his role as the National Advisor for the Pilot Harm Reduction Programme in Malaysia, which contributed to a nearly 80% reduction in HIV infections among people who use drugs. As the Strategic Planning and Transition Advisor for Australia’s HAARP Project, he was instrumental in developing strategic funding directions for the Australian government in four Mekong countries. In his capacity as Senior Advisor on Harm Reduction at The Global Fund, Palani supported the development of interventions in West Africa and the Middle East, while also advocating for progressive drug policies and ensuring the continuation of programs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Palani currently serves as the Director of the Malaysian Drug Policy Programme at the Malaysian AIDS Foundation. In this role, he advocates for the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use and possession, as well as for improved treatment and care for people who use drugs.