There is an increasing number of HIV cases reported among Intravenous drug users (IDUs).
There is an increasing number of HIV cases reported among Intravenous drug users (IDUs). According to a report submitted by the Centre for disease control and prevention (CDC) and South Africa Medical research council IDUs in South Africa were sharing and using the same needle up to 15 times even if they knew the risks associated with the practice.
The researchers are very worried and discussed about the issue at the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Meeting which was held at Durban.Injection drug use has resulted in the spread of AIDS in the African nations including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania.
Drug users had poor knowledge of HIV prevention techniques and other HIV/AIDS treatment services. Okechukwu Nwanyanwu, CDC's director in South Africa also mentioned about the commercial sex workers who were at a very high risk of contracting HIV as they were forced to take drugs and are not able to use condoms consistently. Hence he called for immediate action by increasing the access to HIV testing and treatment services for IDUs.
