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Elevating Humanity in Public Health: IFRC and Rome Consensus 2.0 at the Fifth WHO Forum on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours (FADAB)

In June 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened its Fifth Global Forum on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours (FADAB) to strengthen international solidarity and… Read More »Elevating Humanity in Public Health: IFRC and Rome Consensus 2.0 at the Fifth WHO Forum on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours (FADAB)

When Justice Heals: Lessons from the “Drug Emergency” Forum in Rome

“No one is beyond help, not even when everything seems lost.” That spirit echoed through the halls of Villa Maraini-Croce Rossa on May 21st, where international experts, law enforcement, health professionals, and civil society met to confront one of our era’s most urgent public health and human rights challenges: drug abuse and dependence.

Science Meets Compassion: Advancing Deflection Through the Rome Consensus 2.0

This Special Issue marks a historic milestone for the global Deflection movement. Developed through the alliance of the Rome Consensus 2.0, the Knowmad Institut, and PTACC, it represents the first indexed body of peer-reviewed academic research dedicated to Deflection — reaffirming that dignity, science, and collaboration are essential pillars of health-centered drug policy.

🌟 Honoring Humanity: Dr. Massimo Barra Awarded the Henry Dunant Medal

Dr. Massimo Barra, founder of the Rome Consensus, has received the Henry Dunant Medal, the highest humanitarian honor. In his acceptance, Dr. Barra reminded us that “neutrality does not mean impotence” and warned that “if we remain in silence, we risk becoming accomplices.” Reflecting on his decades-long journey, he shared his commitment to being a “light in the darkness,” a hope that, for many, can “represent the difference between life and death.” Dr. Barra’s legacy inspires us to serve humanity with unwavering dedication.

Alternatives to Incarceration: The Future of Humanitarian Drug Policies in Africa

The PTACC African Leaders Deflection Summit in Nairobi brought together experts and leaders to discuss deflection—an innovative, health-centered alternative to incarceration. Organized by PTACC, C4 Recovery Foundation, NACADA, and TASC, all members of the Rome Consensus 2.0 Alliance, the summit focused on shifting drug policies toward humanitarian solutions. A key highlight was the presentation of the Rome Consensus 2.0 by Villa Maraini-CRI, encouraging a global movement towards compassionate approaches to drug-related challenges.

As African leaders explored how deflection can be integrated into their justice systems, discussions also turned toward future initiatives, including a 2025 training in Lamu, Kenya, to promote health-focused drug strategies across the continent. The summit reinforced the growing consensus that the future of drug policies must prioritize public health, dignity, and rehabilitation over punishment.

Disruptive Dialogue: Art and Drug Policies on the Agenda of the Rome Consensus 2.0

On October 3, 2024, “Bodegón del Vicio” by María Portilla opened at LAGUNA in Mexico City. Supported by the Knowmad Institut and IAPA, both members of Rome Consensus 2.0, the event featured a discussion on inclusive drug policies. The conversation focused on stigma reduction, harm reduction, and legal reform, aligned with the Rome Consensus 2.0’s commitment to human dignity and public health.