This is the ninth edition of the Global State of Harm Reduction. Every two years since 2008, Harm Reduction International (HRI) has mapped responses to drug-related health harms around the world, including HIV and viral hepatitis. The report has become a key publication for researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations, advocates and United Nations’ agencies interested in mapping harm reduction policy adoption and programme implementation globally. 

The Global State of Harm Reduction has always been produced through a collaborative effort between community and civil society representatives and researchers. The report includes nine regional chapters authored by experts from each region. This year’s report differs slightly from previous editions as we emphasise key regional issues and populations that continue to be neglected by harm reduction services. Identified through responses to the Global State of Harm Reduction survey, each regional chapter presents data on the availability of harm reduction services and addresses two key issues that require special attention. The Global State of Harm Reduction 2024 report also includes three new thematic chapters focused on harm reduction for Indigenous people, people in prison and youth. We also continue to include data to map the implementation of viral hepatitis services for people who use drugs. 

In all our work, HRI defers to and respects local and regional terminology preferences, and is committed to the use of non-stigmatising, accurate language. In this regard, we take our lead from the INPUD and ANPUD Words Matter! Language Statement & Reference Guide [internet]. Furthermore, we are committed to being inclusive and anti-racist. We capitalise Black and Brown when referring to Black and Brown people, used in a racial, ethnic or cultural sense, and Indigenous when referring to the original inhabitants of a place.