For over 2 decades, I've dedicated my life to working with people who use drugs across Southern Africa. My approach integrates trauma-informed care with creative therapies, focusing on sustainable impact on quality of life rather than abstinence. Every strategy I design is rooted in human rights advocacy and deep care for individuals and their support systems.
Andrea Schneider
Every strategy I design is rooted in passion and advocacy for human rights - Andrea Schneider

Harm Reduction Framework

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It's also a movement for social justice built on belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.

Quality of Life Focus

Prioritizes individual and community well-being over cessation of use

Non-judgmental Approach

Non-coercive provision of services and resources to those who need them

User Empowerment

Drug users themselves as the primary agents of reducing harm

Services

Consultancy Services

With over 20 years of experience working across Southern Africa, I provide strategic guidance for organizations implementing compassionate, evidence-based programmes. My work includes managing multi-million rand initiatives for partners like USAID and The Global Fund.

Remote and in-person consultancy services available. I draw on a strong group of hand-picked, experienced consultants, implementers and people with lived experience to provide gold standard services at various stages of your project.

Experience

I bring 20 years of experience working with trauma and a broad range of addictions and other challenges. My approach is grounded in deep empathy and completely non-judgmental. I understand that trauma is complex and affects each person uniquely, often leading to incidences and behaviors that may unintentionally hurt ourselves or others. This is not a reflection of personal inadequacy, but rather a natural human response to cope with life's pressures. My practice is rooted in trauma-informed care, which prioritizes creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences without fear of criticism or rejection.

I am committed to walking alongside you for as long as you need on your journey back to you, helping you uncover the healthier, happier parts of yourself that I strongly believe are waiting for you to find and acknowledge. Together, we foster open communication, patience, self-compassion, and validation. Together we create space for your strengths to grow and for you to experience life in a more empowered and joyful way.

Professional Profile

Highly adaptable, solutions-focused advocate for equity and equality with 20+ years' experience in building and implementing health and psychosocial services for vulnerable populations. The last decades' focus has been in harm reduction and HIV programming for key populations across Southern Africa.

PROFILE

Highly adaptable, solutions-focused advocate for equity and equality with 20+ years' experience in building and implementing health and psychosocial services for vulnerable populations. The last decades' focus has been in harm reduction and HIV programming for key populations across Southern Africa. Proven expertise in program design, capacity building, and technical assistance with track record managing multi-million rand Global Fund and USAID investments. Qualified counsellor specialising in illicit drug use and impact on the person, their health, support structures and quality of life of the person.

Core Expertise:

Harm Reduction PWUD/PWID Programming Sex Work & Health HIV/TB/HCV Treatment Integration Addiction & Trauma Counseling Strategic Planning Financial Compliance M&E Stakeholder Relations Training & Mentorship

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Co-pioneered South Africa's first national HIV prevention and harm reduction programme serving 10,000+ people who use and inject drugs (2015-2022)
  • Managed R83 million Global Fund portfolio across 8 districts with zero audit findings (2019-2022)
  • Published researcher with oral presentations at 3 International AIDS Conferences
  • Provided technical assistance in South Africa, Malawi, and Namibia, training a national cohort of healthcare workers
  • Spearheaded the introduction of free pharmacological treatments for people who live on the streets and use heroin/opiates
  • Developed and provided input on national guidelines for South Africa, training curricula, and best practice reports adopted across Southern Africa
  • Fully supportive and active advocate for peer-led programmes

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT | Key Populations & Harm Reduction

August 2022 – Present

USAID People Who Use Drugs Programme | Malawi & Namibia

  • Developed comprehensive SOPs, best practice guidelines, and implementation frameworks
  • Hosted stakeholder workshops from government to grassroots
  • Facilitated learning visits for Ministry of Health, law enforcement, and other health government officials

AIDS Foundation South Africa | Global Fund Sex Work Programme

  • Developed unique harm reduction training manual and curriculum for sex workers who use drugs
  • Trained all implementing partners nationally; created innovative job aids

Private Practice

  • One-on-one trauma and addiction counseling including family support
  • Group facilitation
  • Neurodivergent / neurotypical psychological and social support for families and children

Small Business Owner - Peace Pieces

Breast cancer survivor 2025

PROGRAMME SPECIALIST

NACOSA

November 2019 – August 2022

Technical lead for Global Fund PWUD/PWID Programme supporting 3 organizations across 8 districts.

  • Managed R83 million budget with full compliance and zero audit findings
  • Provided strategic direction achieving consistent target performance
  • Developed national SOPs, protocols, and training manuals
  • Facilitated quarterly trainings
  • Managed/mentored programme managers across the country implementing services
  • Built stakeholder relationships with government, civil society, law enforcement, DSD and secured additional services through obtaining complementary funding
  • Boldly and fearlessly advocated for human rights of marginalized or vulnerable groups in all forums

NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGER

TB HIV Care

August 2016 – October 2019

Designed and led South Africa's first comprehensive harm reduction program in 4 districts.

  • Established services for 10,000+ PWID integrating HIV/TB prevention, viral hepatitis screening, OST, NSP, and psychosocial support
  • Managed multi-million rand CDC and Global Fund budgets with full compliance
  • Trained 80+ outreach workers, nurses, counselors, and program staff
  • Presented at international conferences; contributed to published research
  • Built complex stakeholder relationships (health departments, law enforcement, civil society)

NATIONAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR

TB HIV Care

March 2014 – July 2016

  • Designed evidence-based PWID/PWUD HIV prevention program
  • Managed programs in 4 cities (CDC/Global Fund funded)
  • Developed staff training programs and organizational capacity
  • Established stakeholder relationships; coordinated reporting and impact assessment

SEX WORK COUNSELLING COORDINATOR

TB HIV Care / SWEAT

November 2012 – February 2014

  • Assistant researcher on HIV prevalence study among PWID
  • Developed substance dependence/harm reduction program for sex workers including NSP SOPs
  • Designed M&E databases; delivered sensitization training
  • Provided counseling and developed training materials

HIV TESTING & COUNSELLING COORDINATOR

TB HIV Care

April 2012 – November 2012

  • Conducted outreach with MSM, transgender persons, and sex workers
  • Facilitated HIV education/support groups; introduced addiction counseling

EDUCATION

Post Graduate Diploma: Counselling/Communication
South African College of Applied Psychology (2010-2011)

Bachelor of Social Science: Psychology & English
University of Cape Town (1999-2002)

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Published contributions: ResearchGate Profile

  • Oral presentations at 3 International AIDS Conferences
  • Oral/interactive presentation at International Harm Reduction Conference 2018
  • 5 poster presentations at international and national conferences

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Software: Microsoft Office • Google Workspace • iOS

Languages: English (fluent)

Other: Code 08 Driver's License • South African Citizen

REFERENCES

Professional references are available upon request.

Get In Touch

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