On 18–19 September 2025, a training took place in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, to support the expansion of needle and syringe programmes in penitentiary institutions. Organised by the Pompidou Group in cooperation with the State Institution “Health Center of the State Criminal-Executive Service of Ukraine,” the event equipped prison professionals with practical tools for implementing harm reduction measures in custodial settings.

Participants deepened their knowledge on delivering needle and syringe programmes, managing the safe disposal of injecting equipment, and preventing the spread of blood-borne diseases linked to drug use. The training also included a site visit to observe an existing programme in operation and explore peer-to-peer approaches in action.

Ukraine became one of the few countries offering needle and syringe programmes in prisons in 2023. By the end of 2025, the programme will be extended to four more regions, marking a significant step toward more comprehensive and health-oriented drug policy in custodial environments.

The training is part of the Council of Europe project “Towards More Humane Conditions of Detention and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS) which is implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction”  (2023–2026).