What is LEAHN?

The Law Enforcement And HIV Network – LEAHN – is a way of connecting people involved in harm reduction, particularly those working in law enforcement and public health. LEAHN aims to help build sustainable global and local partnerships to reduce the harms associated with the behaviours of vulnerable groups,  such as people who use drugs (PWUD),  sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Traditionally LEAHN’s focus has been on preventing the spread of  HIV/AIDS.  It  is acknowledged that the harm reduction philosophy is much broader and can be extended to include substance abuse, mental health, family violence and other law enforcement/public health situations.

Knowledge sharing

LEAHN is all about sharing information and experiences.  The network provides the opportunity to share best practice, success stories and case studies aimed at raising awareness of harm reduction.

Advocacy and peer education

Through LEAHN, experienced police and harm reduction workers located anywhere in the world can provide practical advice to peers about their experiences with harm reduction programs. By demonstrating and generating leadership, it is envisaged locally-driven approaches will be most effective in addressing the harms associated with activities such as substance misuse, sex work and violence.