Drugs and Health
Health, Human Rights and the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities, disproportionately impacting marginalised and criminalised populations.
We track government responses to COVID-19, the pandemic treaty process, and the use of emergency powers. We document the critical role of community and civil society in service delivery and global health governance, and advocate for evidence and rights-based responses.
30%
of countries
experienced total disruption to harm reduction services in 2020
28
countries
excluded people detained for drugs from prison decongestion schemes
47
countries
Expanded take-home OAT options during the pandemic
Related resources
Briefing
8 March 2023
Incorporating People deprived of Liberty in Pandemic Responses
Briefing
5 January 2023
Negotiating the Pandemic Treaty: a primer
Briefing
23 November 2022
Impact of service disruptions on women, ethnic minorities and Indigenous people
Report
30 July 2022
Vaccines and COVID-19 Support for People Who Use Drugs
Statement
12 April 2022
INB Advocacy for a Rights-Based Pandemic Treaty
Submission
7 March 2022
Human Rights Council Advocacy for Participation in Pandemic Treaty Processes
Report
31 August 2021
Policing the Vulnerable, Infringing Rights
Briefing
30 June 2021
The Securitisation of Health Responses to COVID-19
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