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Collectif Urgence Toxida

Collectif Urgence Toxida (CUT) is dedicated to implementing harm reduction programmes. Their mission is to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use through a comprehensive and humane approach. CUT operates under the philosophy that a drug-free society is unrealistic, but providing support and reducing harm is achievable and necessary.

 

Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion Foundation: N/1037

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Services offered

Harm reduction encompasses a range of strategies aimed at minimizing the transmission risks of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. At Collectif Urgence Toxida (CUT), we are dedicated to supporting vulnerable and discriminated individuals who find themselves in precarious situations due to their addiction. Our primary actions for beneficiaries who use injectable drugs include:

  • We provide sterile needles and syringes to prevent infections and collect used ones to ensure safe disposal.
  • We offer rapid testing for diseases and provide guidance on accessing treatment.
  • We advocate for Human Rights to ensure that the human rights of people who use drugs are respected and that they receive appropriate services.
  • We support individuals in joining the methadone substitution treatment programme, offering them a pathway to recovery.

 

These services are critical in reducing harm and promoting the well-being of those affected by drug use in our community.

History
  • In 2016, CUT began addressing the growing demand for information sessions on substances and drug policies within its capacity.
  • In 2017, CUT organizes its third conference, themed "All Lives Matter," rebranded as the Mauritius Harm Reduction Conference. The conference aimed to showcase best practices and scientific evidence for effective harm reduction policies based on various international models.
  • CUT participated in research, in 2018, to understand drug consumption behaviours among youth aged 16-24 in Mauritius. Additionally, CUT collaborated with the Mauritian Network of People Who Use Drugs to organize an awareness campaign at Plaza, Rose Hill.
  • In 2019, through the annual "Soutenez, ne punissez pas" campaign, CUT engaged with political leaders, advocating for a review of drug policies in Mauritius.
  • In 2020, CUT submitted a "position paper" to various ministries, advocating the use of Naloxone to manage overdoses in Mauritius. In collaboration with AILES, CUT also organized a two-day HIV testing campaign called "Moris AIDS Tour."
  • In 2021, CUT produced two songs by local artists, "Nou tou inik" and "Viv lamour dan so grander," to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by priority populations. For the "Soutenir, pas punir" campaign, CUT and AILES set up a symbolic prison in Mangalkhan to highlight the urgency of revising drug policies.
  • CUT released a five-episode documentary titled "UNLEARNED" in 2022, based on research conducted on the quality of life and well-being of priority populations. CUT also launched the second edition of the Moris AIDS Tour.

In 2023, CUT re-implemented the container in Baie du Tombeau at the Tulipe residence. Services offered include medical check-ups and counselling for beneficiaries, along with support programmes that provide maternity kits, diapers, wipes, and other essentials for pregnant women and young mothers in the area. CUT also became a beneficiary of the IBL On the MOVE project and organized the third edition of the Moris AIDS Tour.

Objectives
  • Our overarching mission is to reduce the incidence of HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis.
  • We are committed to achieving the UNAIDS 2030 goal of 90-90-90 ensuring that:
    • 90% of people living with HIV are aware of their status.
    • 90% of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral therapy.
    • 90% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression, making their viral load undetectable and non-transmissible.
  • We advocate for the reform of repressive drug laws, aiming to create a more supportive legal environment for people who use drugs.
  • We strive to improve the care and support available to individuals who use drugs.

Our goal is to foster a more inclusive Mauritian society, working towards reducing stigma and discrimination to create a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

Main achievements

CUT is a Non-Governmental Organisation that networks with various civil society partners to address issues related to HIV and injectable drugs. CUT implements harm reduction projects related to injectable drugs across the Republic of Mauritius, with a primary focus on the Needle Exchange Programme. Additionally, CUT is deeply involved in advocacy for harm reduction, maintaining close ties with the media and spearheading larger advocacy projects.

 

Key Achievements:

  • Recipient of the 2023 IBL On the MOVE project.
  • Organized three editions of the Moris AIDS Tour.
Sources of funding

Our work is supported by a variety of funding sources, including:

  • The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
  • Private enterprises through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives
  • The National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF)
  • International donors who finance specific and occasional projects

 

Number of Beneficiaries: We have reached and supported 11,000 beneficiaries through our various programmes and initiatives.