In Madagascar, heroin consumption is experiencing a sharp increase. This raises serious concerns about the risks of HIV/AIDS among people who inject drugs.
Consumption on the rise
Heroin occupies an increasingly important place in the field of drug use has Madagascar. The Ainga/Aides association has identified 1,580 heroin users, all considered to be part of populations at high risk for the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Prevention objective
The main mission of Ainga/Aides is to distribute sterile single-use syringes. In return, the association collects used syringes. “The aim is to avoid the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDSavoiding the sharing of needles between consumers“, specifies Dr Ravelohanta, coordinator of the association, during the HIV/AIDS conference, which was held from October 22 to 24.
Procurement Debates
This preventative approach is controversial. Some fear that it will further encourage drug use in Madagascar. “They are supplied with syringes or not, they will always find a way to consume them. By giving them sterile syringes, we offer them means of preventing HIV/AIDS for drug addicts.“, affirms Dr. Ravelohanta.
Concentration du VIH/SIDA
Data show that HIV/AIDS mainly affects men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and sex workers. In 2016, HIV prevalence reached 8.4% among injecting drug users.
Request for additional resources
Civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in fight against HIV/AIDS request additional resources. They are also asking for better recognition of their efforts to combat this contagious disease.
Source : Lexpress.mg
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