Injection drug users

 

 

Home  

Injection Drug Users

Women

Children

Sources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Happy Condom
According statistics provided by the state of New Jersey, 38 percent of the total number of HIV/AIDS cases in Trenton are from injection drug use[1]. This is the major mode of transmission for Trenton. I think that in order to reduce the spread of AIDS for this high risk group needle exchange programs need to be put into place in the three counseling and drug treatment centers that are currently in the city. A person would come into the center and exchange their old needles for brand new needles. Counseling, HIV testing, and condoms would be available for the people who enter into the center. In addition, Trenton is divided in to four sections based on the cardinal directions: North, South East and West. I would set up mobile units called “HI Van’s” in every section of Trenton. Each mobile unit would have clean needles and free condoms and the mobile units would be open from 6 pm to 6 am.

 

As another method of HIV/AIDS prevention, I would try to follow the harm reduction policy that is currently in place in Iran. Harm reduction emphasizes the possibilities for reducing the individual and social harm associated with drug use[1].  The current Iranian harm-reduction policy is the result of a gradual policy shift[2]. A unique model for comprehensive harm-reduction is being implemented by Persepolis[3]. The service provides needle exchange, methadone maintenance, general medical care, voluntary counseling and testing for HIV, and referral[4]. It runs drop-in centers for street-based injecting drug users as part of a continuum of care, and services extend to the provision of food, clothes and other basic needs[5]. Programs should provide the means for behavioral change, including treatment for users wishing to limit or stop their use of drugs as well as access sterile injection equipment and condoms. People should be given choices as to how they want to reduce the chances of HIV transmission[6]. A high prevalence of HIV infection among users who inject drugs increases the risk for everyone in a community of drug users[7].