Preventing HIV / AIDS among drug users: case studies from Asia.

In 1997 the Task Force on Drug Use and HIV Vulnerability commenced its operation in Bangkok. It immediately identified the lack of information concerning HIV/AIDS among drug users in the Asia region across three broad thematic areas: insufficient epidemiological data; limited knowledge within the region on policies related to drug use and HIV/AIDS; and inadequate documentation and dissemination of good interventions. Subsequent to these observations UN organisations and their partners have undertaken much work in order to fill this vacuum. The Asian Harm Reduction Network along with other partners has published two editions of the “Hidden Epidemic” that provides details on the status of the HIV/AIDS epidemics among drug users in the countries of the region. In October 2000 the Task Force itself published the report “Drug Use and HIV Vulnerability: Policy Research Study in Asia”. These two publications have concisely addressed the issues of epidemiology and policy. This current publication “Preventing HIV/AIDS Among Drug Users: Case Studies from Asia” addresses the third important area the dissemination of good practices on HIV/AIDS prevention and care interventions among drug users. Emphasis is laid on addressing the practical aspects of how to do it. Each of the studies has been arranged in a format to promote the reader’s further consideration of the issues such that they might be replicated and adapted to their own particular context and needs. The case studies describe a variety of interventions focusing on HIV/AIDS vulnerability and demand reduction outreach interventions (including the provision of clean needles and syringes) condoms and counseling institutional treatment care and support substitution therapy and advocacy. They also reflect a recurrent strategic theme that single isolated interventions are unlikely to be effective unless they are integrated within a comprehensive approach. While we are familiar with all the elements of a comprehensive approach and as the case studies indicate there is indeed practical experience on how to best proceed the challenge remains as to how to scale up such interventions to a level commensurate with the scale of HIV/AIDS epidemics among drug users. (excerpt)