22nd International AIDS Conference
Amsterdam, Netherlands | 23-27 July 2018

Harm reduction services

Harm reduction services will be offered at the 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018), in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 23-27 July 2018.

Harm Reduction Networking Zone

A Harm Reduction Networking Zone (HRNZ) is accessible to the general public and located in the Global Village, Booth #509.

It is open between 08:30 and 18:30 from Monday to Thursday (23 to 26 July) and 08:30 to 14:00 on Friday (27 July). In addition to serving as a meeting space for participants interested in harm reduction, available services on site include: free provision of drug-use and injecting equipment, sharps containers, and condoms.

Harm Reduction services offered by the Public Health Service (GGD) of Amsterdam

While in Amsterdam, the International AIDS Society is required to follow rules and guidelines for provision of harm reduction services as determined by The Public Health Service (GGD) of Amsterdam.

Prior to the conference, the GGD Amsterdam (Amsterdam medical services) offers free doctor consultation to people who use drugs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (20-22 July) from 10:00 to 12:00 at the address below:

GGD Amsterdam
Valckenierstraat 4
1018 XG Amsterdam

During the conference, a doctor will be available from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 for medical services and information specifically for people who use drugs at the location below:

Global Village
First floor
Room L101 (next to the film screening area)

Services available: An on-site physician will provide medical information and (if necessary) methadone or suboxone prescriptions.

In line with national policy in the Netherlands, ambulances and the emergency wards at Amsterdam hospitals are all accommodated with naloxone. In case of an opiate overdose, the physicians on duty in the ambulances and emergency wards can inject (intravenous) naloxone. In the Netherlands, medical assistance can be used without fear of persecution.

Opioid substitution therapy (OST)

If you need access to OST while in Amsterdam, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.