Palani Narayanan

Palani Narayanan currently serves as the Director of the Drug Policy Program at the Malaysian AIDS Foundation/SKPA-2 (Health Equity Matters), where he leads efforts to advance evidence-based, human rights-oriented drug policies in Malaysia. In this pivotal role, Palani leverages his extensive expertise in harm reduction, public health, and drug policy reform to shape innovative strategies that promote health equity and social justice. His leadership involves coordinating multi-stakeholder collaborations, engaging policymakers, and fostering civil society participation to create sustainable change.

A key focus of his work is to facilitate the transition from punitive approaches to more progressive, health-centered drug policies. Palani’s strategic planning and management skills underpin initiatives that aim to reduce stigma, improve access to harm reduction services, and strengthen community-led interventions. His experience with projects like the IKHLAS Program—Malaysia’s first harm reduction initiative among people who use drugs—continues to inform his approach to designing scalable, community-driven solutions.

At the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Palani also spearheads capacity-building efforts, training healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and government agencies on best practices in harm reduction and drug policy reform. His leadership in these areas underscores his commitment to creating a movement that not only influences policy but also empowers marginalized communities. With a comprehensive understanding of civil society engagement, project management, and strategic advocacy, Palani remains a vital force in advancing progressive drug policies that prioritize health, human rights, and social inclusion.