South Caucasus

In recent years a significant rise in the use of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) and stimulants has been observed in Georgia.

Young people between the ages of 18 and 35 are particularly affected, with high rates of overdose, psychotic reactions and sometimes deaths, as well as risks of HIV transmission due to multiple unprotected sexual contacts.

Since the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan flared up again in 2020, civilian populations have been subject to numerous displacements and the humanitarian situation remains challenging.

On 19 September 2023, after Azerbaijan’s nine-month blockade of the Nagorno Karabakh region, Baku launched a new military offensive which led to the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh. Virtually the whole Armenian population – around 11,500 people – left the region with no prospect of returning.

In Georgia in 2024 Médecins du Monde assisted and supported a local partner working on harm reduction. Mandala is a self-help group for young people who use new psychoactive substances (NPSs).

In 2024, we provided harm reduction services to 5,700 people and carried out drug checking on 3,679 samples.

Since late September 2023, Médecins du Monde has been working to provide support centres for people displaced by the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh. The first centre was opened in Goris, the town which has seen the largest influx of refugees from Nagorno Karabakh. This was followed by three more centres in Yerevan, Ashtarak and Masis.

The centres provide mental healthcare and social support. Psychologists and social workers also work outside the context of the centres. A medical team focuses on health education and therapeutic patient education and refers and supports patients as necessary to access the national health system. Overall, 5,300 people received support in 2024 and 760 hygiene kits were distributed to the most vulnerable people.

Médecins du Monde also provides training sessions for frontline workers – our staff and local partners – to help them manage their own stress and avoid vicarious trauma.