Supervised drug consumption programs (often called “Drug Consumption Rooms”, “Safe consumption facilities” or “Supervised injection places”) are now implemented in 10 countries, for years in some States, while nascent in others, and a few nations are on their way to implement experimental programs. In each of these countries, a comprehensive dialogue and a positive presentation of these programs have been a key element in allowing a large acceptation of the sites, allowing for increased health care and protection for the people who use drug in the most vulnerable conditions.

Initiated by civil society (users or healthcare workers), supervised drug consumption programs have been deeply questioned and debated by national authorities, before step by step getting implemented, thus finally gaining acceptance at the United Nations level by complying with international law in its finality of protecting health, reducing harm and fighting blood-borne diseases.

The exhibition, held in March 2017 in the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, during the anniversary 60th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, presented photographs and series of indicators showing the positive health and social outcomes of these programs.