Category: News

Results of the EHRA General meeting to elect Advisory board members and approve EHRA financial report for 2021

Posted on by Agne

During May 9 – 22, 2022 Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA) conducted online General members’ meeting to elect Advisory board members and approve EHRA financial report for 2021. Quorum for the General meeting to elect new Advisory Board members needed no less than one third of the members.

GENERAL MEETING. EHRA has 348 organizational and individual members, who were eligible to vote. From 348 members – 126 participated in the General meeting. It means, that quorum was met, because 35,63 % of members participated in it.

The results of approval of EHRA financial report for 2021 year:

  • 116 members confirmed EHRA financial report for 2020;
  • 8 members abstained;
  • 0 members did not confirm.

EHRA financial report for 2021 year is approved.

 

Also selection of EHRA Advisory board members took place. The results and newly approved Advisory members are following:

Peter Muyshondt: 107 votes (86,29 % of all valid votes)

Pavel Bem: 107 votes (86,29 % of all valid votes)

Julia Buxton: 113 votes (91,13 % of all valid votes)

John-Peter Kools: 113 votes (91,13 % of all valid votes)

Damon Barrett: 106 votes (85,48 % of all valid votes)

Rick Lines: 108 votes (87,10 % of all valid votes)

Peter Muyshondt, Pavel Bem, Julia Buxton, John-Peter Kools, Damon Barrett and Rick Lines are newly approved as EHRA Advisory Board members.

Survey on the impact of COVID-19 on drug markets and patterns of drug use in the CEECA region

Posted on by Agne

The COVID-19 pandemic affected not only provision of harm reduction and other health and social services worldwide, but also had an influence on the illicit drug market and patterns of drug use. As a part of the RCF COVID-19 Grant Relief project, EHRA has hired Coact – a peer-led community-focused consultancy group managed by people who use drugs to provide technical support to other people who use drugs and accelerate implementation of effective, evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of our community – to conduct this community-based assessment in partnership with Swansea University.

The objective of the research is to understand how the Covid-19 pandemic affected drug markets and drug use in Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia.  We want to collect the experiences of people who use drugs in all 28 countries of the region to understand your experience of the pandemic in your country. In collaboration with EHRA and Swansea University, Coact has developed an anonymous survey to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the drug market and drug use patterns.

The online survey is available in English, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Czech and Slovak takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. You will not be asked your name or any personal information that might identify you.  Once the data is collected and analysed, a comprehensive report will be prepared to document key findings, emerging trends, and provide recommendations for action.

We would greatly appreciate your time, support, and inputs for completing the survey. You can complete the survey by clicking the links below:

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NHVTKYL

Russian: https://ru.surveymonkey.com/r/CWZ5TRS

Czech: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NM37WHZ

Polish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCB9NKN

Slovak: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3C6KPFP

Ukrainian: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3QBT79S

Montenegrin/Serbian: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTX6VMG

Feel free to share the survey with colleagues and friends.

Please do not hesitate to contact project team should you have any questions:

Pascal Tanguay
Coact Development Director
pascalembours@gmail.com

Aleksey Lakhov
Coact Consultant
alexei.lahov@gmail.com

Eliza Kurcevic
Eurasian Harm Reduction Association
eliza@harmreductioneurasia.org

Prof. Richard Lines
Swansea University
Richard.Lines@swansea.ac.uk

Results of the general meeting of EHRA members

Posted on by Agne

From 9 to 22 of May 2022 Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA) conducted online General Meeting to select Advisory Board members and approve EHRA financial report for 2021.

We thank everyone, who took part in the voting procedures and congratulations to our newly approved Advisory Board members:

  • Peter Muyshondt
  • Pavel Bem
  • Julia Buxton
  • John-Peter Kools
  • Damon Barrett
  • Rick Lines

As well, during EHRA General meeting, EHRA members approved financial report for 2021 year.

More detailed information about voting results will come soon.

EHRA position on the quality of harm reduction services

Posted on by Agne

In April 2022, the EHRA Steering Committee voted to adopt the EHRA Position on the quality of harm reduction services. The document was developed by a specialized expert working group of the Association members together with the EHRA Steering Committee. This is the first significant step in the implementation of Objective 2.1. of EHRA Strategy ” Contribute to improving the quality and comprehensiveness of existing harm reduction services in the countries of the CEECA region.” Now the group is working on practical steps to implement the position, the necessary arguments and tools that will help us all improve the quality of services.

Key provisions:

EHRA stands for defining harm reduction as a comprehensive approach with positive influence in health and social spheres and for setting measurable targets for the impact of harm reduction on health, social and legal aspects of the life of people who use drugs.

EHRA calls for organizing discussions with various groups of stakeholders to redefine harm reduction for the CEECA region and to use the renewed understanding of harm reduction outcomes to find new allies for harm reduction accessibility, quality and sustainability.

EHRA calls for a focus on client-centeredness of harm reduction and its responsiveness to the health and social needs of people who use drugs as the cornerstone of harm reduction quality assessments.

EHRA calls for coordinated harm reduction quality standards in countries of the CEECA region that are shared by all communities, service providers and domestic and global funders and encourages all of these stakeholders to invest in the quality of harm reduction services.

As an association of harm reduction service providers and advocates, EHRA will promote the establishment of a system of voluntary certification based on the assessment of the compliance with regional quality standards and the provision of technical assistance to increase the quality of social support and the integration of components of harm reduction.

Full text of the Position could be found HERE.

EHRA announces online General Meeting to select Advisory Board members and approve EHRA financial report for 2021

Posted on by Agne

On May 9 – 22, 2022 Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA) is going to conduct General Meeting of its members. During the fortnight, members of EHRA will have online-voting on two issues:

  1. Approval of EHRA financial report for 2021 year. Independent Auditors report can be found here and Treasurers signed note can be found here
  2. Approval of EHRA Advisory Board members. Please find more information about candidates and their short bios here

All members approved by EHRA Steering Committee may participate in the General meeting. Now there are 348 members. The full list of members is available on the EHRA website- https://old.harmreductioneurasia.org/ehra-members/

Details on the voting procedure and participation can be clarified by contacting Agne Mikulevic via e-mail: members@harmreductioneurasia.org

RFP extended: Small grants to support local actions on 26 June 2022 as part of the “Support. Don’t Punish!” campaign in the CEECA region

Posted on by Igor Gordon

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Small grants to support local actions on 26 June 2022 as part of the “Support, Don’t Punish!” campaign in the CEECA region

RFP Number EHRA-05-17
RFP Title Small grants SDP2022
RFP Closing Date and time: 23:59 EET on May 22, 2022
Proposal Submission Address: info@harmreductioneurasia.org

BACKGROUND

Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA) would like to inform initiative groups and organizations of the community of people who use psychoactive substances, as well as organizations working in drug policy and harm reduction field in CEECA region, about the possibility to receive up to 500 USD in form of small grant for local actions and events on Global Day of Action, June 26 in a frame of “Support, Don’t Punish” campaign.

The Eurasian Harm Reduction Association has been actively supporting the global initiative and activities of the campaign “Support, Don’t Punish”, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. More information about the campaign can be found at https://supportdontpunish.org/join/. A report of the 2021 campaign events funded by EHRA can be found –>HERE <–

This year is no exception. We are joining the broader coalition of campaigners to support drug policy reform, decriminalisation and community involvement in advocacy. EHRA as a part of the International Harm Reduction Consortium project “Ending Inequalities for People who Use Drugs: Strengthening Harm Reduction to Elevate Rights, Health and Capacity” will provide small grants to CBOs and CSOs to deliver local actions and events on June 26, organised by harm reduction activists and the community of people who use drugs, who on the ground are resolutely opposing the harmful “war on drugs”.

 

IMPLEMENTATION TIME: June 2022

Language of proposal: Russian or English

Application submission deadline: 23:59 EET on May 22, 2022

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS

  • Only non-governmental and non-profit organisations registered as legal entities in one of the 29 countries of the Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia region can apply. Initiative groups can also apply, but their fiscal agent must be an NGO or non-profit organisation.
  • Work with / represent / provide services to / advocate for the needs of people who use drugs.

The total budget for sub-grants is $2 000. 4 groups/organizations with a highest score (out of 100 points) and based in 4 different countries will be selected to receive the funding. Maximum grant amount is 500 $.

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Submitted applications will be evaluated by an evaluation panel of the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association.

Evaluation criteria: Points
Clear and specific description of stated problem.

The stated problem is directly connected with drug policy reform, decriminalisation and community advocacy.

 30
The proposed activities should be feasible. 20
The anticipated results should be realistic, commensurate with the proposed format and budget. 20
Realistic and justified budget 20
Applicant is member of EHRA 10
Maximum possible number of points 100

How to apply

To be eligible as EHRA sub-grantee, any organization or initiative group must comply with

 Applicants must submit the following documents:

– Application form <– download 

– Organizational registration document

– Memorandum of cooperation (in case of working through a financial agent).

Please submit your proposal to the info@harmreductioneurasia.org.

In the subject line of your e-mail please indicate: EHRA-05-17 “Small grants SDP2022”_ and name of your organization/ initiative group.  Otherwise, the application will not be considered.

 

General terms and conditions

This announcement and its attachments shall not be construed as a contract or a commitment of any kind. This request for proposals in no way obligates EHRA to award a contract, nor does it commit EHRA to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the proposals.

Interested applicants should pay attention to the following conditions:

  • EHRA will sign an agreement with 4 winners of the competitive selection. The contracts will define a detailed work plan, budget and payment terms.
  • EHRA reserves the right (but does not commit itself to obligations) to enter into negotiations with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications or additional information, as well as to agree on the timing of work.
  • Results will be announced by 20th May 2022. Each applicant will be contacted individually.
  • Any questions regarding the participation should be sent to igor@harmreductioneurasia.org till May 13, 2022.

Eurasian Harm Reduction Association’s position on the Russian military aggression in Ukraine

Posted on by Igor Gordon

Eurasian Harm Reduction Association condemns the Russian war against Ukraine

The values of the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA), our mission, and all our work are aimed at ensuring the people’s rights and freedoms, health, and well-being.

We consider the actions of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine as an act of genocide against the people of Ukraine and a grave violation of the international humanitarian and human rights law. We condemn and oppose Russia’s act of aggression and incursion into the sovereign state of Ukraine in violation of international law.

We make every effort to support Ukrainians, first of all, those from among the representatives of key populations affected by HIV, TB, including people who use drugs, who became a victim of this war and genocide.

In regard to the above-mentioned, EHRA will stop any partnership with organizations or individuals who do not support the position of the EHRA on the issue of Russian aggression against Ukraine. By default, the position represents the opinion of all EHRA members.

EXTENDED: EHRA is pleased to announce a new RFP for the selection of the consultant to develop an Info Note on the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment

Posted on by EHRA
RFP Number EHRA-04-13
RFP Title External consultant. Info Note on the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment
RFP Closing Date and time: 23:59 EET on May 4, 2022
Proposal Submission Address: info@harmreductioneurasia.org

Background

Since 2017 Eurasian Harm Reduction Association is being the host of the EECA Regional Platform for Communication and Coordination. One of the EHRA responsibilities in its role as EECA Regional Platform is to enhance community knowledge of the Global Fund and its processes, through the regular bi-directional sharing of tailored and targeted information to a diverse audience.

To be in line with this objective, EHRA through its EECA Regional Platform is aimed to better inform civil society and communities in the region about the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment including its Investment Case.

Objectives of the tender and key tasks of the consultant:

EHRA is looking for a consultant to develop the Info Note for civil society and communities in EECA on the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment.

The consultant is expected:

  1. To propose the format and structure of the Info Note. The document may cover the next topics (but not be limited by them):
    • What is the Global Fund’s Replenishment?
    • A brief overview of the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment including its objectives, key processes, timeframe
    • Brief summary of the Global Fund’s investment case for the 7th Replenishment
    • Key messages for civil society activists and advocates with regard to the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment
  2. To collect all required information needed to develop the Info Note. The methods of data collection may include:
    • desk review of all relevant publications, documents, and other info materials on the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment being publicly available, including those being available at the Global Fund’s website and being produced by different Global Fund’s partners including those from civil society (like GFAN, W4GF etc.)
    • interviews with the key informants (if needed).
  3. Based on the collected information – develop an Info Note on the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment including its Investment Case.

Deliverables:

A document presenting a brief overview of the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment objectives and processes including its Investment Case. The length of the document should not exceed 7 pages.

The language of the resulted document should be English or Russian.

Timeframe

  1. By 12th of May – to propose and agree with EHRA on the format and structure of the final document to be developed.
  2. By 30th of May – to provide EHRA with the draft document for feedback and comments.
  3. By 10th of June- to provide EHRA with the final product.

Cost of services

The total contract cost for the work of the consultant under this ToR should not exceed 1 100 EUR (including all taxes).

Evaluation Criteria:

An evaluation panel will assess the extent to which proposals submitted in response to this announcement meet the evaluation criteria below.

The minimum technical score is 90. Only candidates with a minimum score of 90 points out of a maximum of 100 are considered eligible for the assignment. Consultants with proven work experience in the community organization would be given a priority.

The candidates with the highest technical score that meets the requirement will be invited to negotiate the agreement.

Criteria Weighting
Good understanding of the Global Fund’s processes including the Replenishment in particular (should be clear from LoI) 25 points
Knowledge of, and access to relevant sources of information required to complete the task (should be clear from LoI) 25 points
Experience of development of similar publications and a strong record of adherence to evidence-based approaches (should be clear from CV and LoI) 25 points
Proven set of skills for interviewing, conducting a literature review, and writing (should be clear from CV and LoI) 25 points
Total 100 points

Additionally, the consultants should have:

  • No conflict of interest (should be declared in the Letter of Interest);
  • Fluent in English and/or Russian languages;

How to apply

To be eligible as an EHRA consultant, any organization or individual must comply with the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association Code of Ethics which you can find at the following link: https://old.harmreductioneurasia.org/ehra-code-of-ethics/

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. CV with the relevant information

2. Letter of Interest (LoI)

Please submit your proposal to info@harmreductioneurasia.org by the 4th of May 2022 23:59 EET.

In the subject line of your e-mail please indicate the RFP number EHRA-04-13, the title “Consultant to develop Info Note on the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment, and your name. Otherwise, the application will not be considered.

ATTENTION. If these documents are not submitted in full, the participant will not be allowed to take part in the tender.

General terms

Interested consultants should pay attention to the following conditions:

•  This RFP shall not be interpreted as a contract or obligation of any kind. This invitation to tender does not in any way oblige EHRA to enter into contracts, nor does it oblige EHRA to pay any costs incurred in preparing and submitting applications.

•  EHRA will sign an agreement with the winner of the competitive selection. The contract will define a detailed work plan and payment terms. The contract is not an employment contract. Payment of all taxes and social insurance is the responsibility of the contractor.

•  EHRA reserves the right (but does not commit itself to obligations) to enter into negotiations with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications or additional information, as well as to agree on the timing of work.

EHRA is looking for experts for the EECA Regional Platform National Focal Points to help generate requests for the Global Fund’s CRG Technical Assistance in Armenia and Tajikistan

Posted on by EHRA

RFP Number EHRA 04-16
RFP Title External experts
RFP Closing Date and time: 23:59 EET on May 08, 2022
Proposal Submission Address: info@harmreductioneurasia.org

Background

Since 2017 Eurasian Harm Reduction Association is being the host of the EECA regional Platform for Communication and Coordination. One of the EHRA responsibilities in its role as EECA Regional Platform is to promote the Global Fund’s Community, Rights and Gender (CRG) Technical Assistance Program among civil society and communities’ representatives involved into the Global Fund related processes in EECA countries.

To better motivate and support CSOs and CBOs in the region to use the Technical Assistance (TA) available within this Program in 2022, EHRA is planning to sub-contract experts to serve as the EECA Regional Platform National Focal Points aimed on generating the demand for the Global Fund’s CRG TA.

EHRA is looking for the experts to serve as the EECA Regional Platform National Focal Points in the following 2 countries: Armenia, Tajikistan.

Key tasks to be conducted by the experts.

Each expert selected to become the EECA Platform CRG TA National Focal Point is expected to assist the civil society and communities’ representatives in relevant country in development and submission of at least 1 successful request for the CRG TA per country in 2022.

The CRG TA Request to be considered as successful if it is approved by the Global Fund’s CRG Department for TA provision.

In particular, the EECA Platform CRG TA National Focal Points are expected to:

  • Initiate a dialogue with the civil society and communities’ representatives involved into the Global Fund related processes in each selected county about the opportunities available within the CRG TA Program.
  • Provide the civil society and communities’ representatives with all relevant information about the Global Fund CRG TA Program if needed.
  • Help the civil society and communities’ representatives to identify their needs for such TA, including identification of the potential problems which may need to be addressed, formulation of the objectives of such CRG TA in the context of the identified problems, as well as identification of the activities needed to be implemented as a part of the TA to address the identified problems and reach the set objectives.
  • Help to ensure the coordination of the content of the TA Requests among the key national civil society stakeholders, CCM and Fund Portfolio Manager before its submission.
  • Review the content of the draft TA Requests before the submission, help with its finalization if needed.
  • Help to follow up with the GF Secretariat CRG Department on the results of the TA Request consideration (if needed).

Online training on the key aspects of the CRG TA Program will be provided for the selected consultants by EHRA, if needed.

Also, the EECA Platform CRG TA National Focal Points will be expected to do the mapping of the civil society and community-based organizations being the principal, sub and sub-sub-recipients of the Global Fund HIV and TB grants in these 2 countries. The template Excel form for such mapping will be provided by EHRA.

Deliverables and Time frame

1 CRG TA Requests per each country being developed, submitted with the support of the EECA Platform CRG TA National Focal Points and approved for the TA provision by the Global Fund CRG Department until November 30, 2022.

Mapping of principal, sub and sub-sub-recipients of the Global Fund HIV and TB grants in each country conducted until July 30, 2022.

Cost of services and payment order

Payment will be done for the successful CRG TA request being generated with support of the EECA Platform CRG TA National Focal Point – 800 USD per TA request (not more than 1 request per country in 2022). Of this amount 400 USD will be paid after the fact of the submission of the TA request is confirmed, and other 400 USD will be paid after the request is accepted and approved for TA provision by Global Fund CRG Department. In case the TA request is rejected by Global Fund CRG Department – the second half of the 800 USD will not be paid to the Focal Point.

Also, 400 USD to be paid after the submission of the result of mapping of CSOs and CBOs – PRs, SRs and SSRs of the Global Fund grants in each of 2 countries.

Payment should be executed for the completed services after receiving invoice and act of service rendered and the result of work.

The total contract cost for the work of one consultant under this ToR in 2022 should not exceed 1 200 USD (including all taxes).

Evaluation Criteria

An evaluation panel will assess the extent to which proposals submitted in response to this announcement meet the evaluation criteria below.

The minimum technical score is 90. Only candidates with a minimum score of 90 points out of a maximum of 100 are considered eligible for the assignment. Consultants with proven work experience in the community organization would be given a priority.

The candidates with the highest technical score that meets the requirement will be invited for negotiation of the agreement.

Criteria Weighting
Good understanding of the Global Fund CRG TA Program (should be clear from LoI) 25 points
Knowledge of, and access to the relevant civil society stakeholders involved into the Global Fund related processes in one of three countries as well as established contacts with the GF Secretariat (regional team and CRG Department in particular) (should be clear from LoI) 25 points
Experience of undertaking similar TA related assessments or other relevant work experience (should be clear from CV and LoI) 25 points
Proven set of communication and writing skills (should be clear from LoI) 25 points
Total 100 points

General terms

Interested consultants should pay attention to the following conditions:

  • EHRA will sign an agreement with the winner of the competitive selection. The contract will define a detailed work plan and payment terms.
  • EHRA reserves the right (but does not commit itself to obligations) to enter into negotiations with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications or additional information, as well as to agree on the timing of work. No conflict of interest (should be declared in the Letter of Interest);
  • No conflict of interest (should be stated in the letter of interest);
  • Fluency in language relevant for the country in which the expert is interested, as well as in English (desirable).

How to apply

The individual consultants are invited to submit their CV and the Letter of Interest (LoI) by e-mail referenced under title “EECA Platform CRG TA Focal Point for [name of the country you are interested to work with]” to info@harmreductioneurasia.org by 23:59 EET 08 of May 2022.