Lancet series on people who use drugs

HIV in people who use drugs
Launched in Vienna, Austria, July 20, 2010

Executive summary
Almost three decades after the discovery of HIV, this Series highlights the threat of a largely unpublicised and growing HIV epidemic: in people who use drugs. While large gains have been made in fighting the epidemic in the general population, socially marginalised populations such as people who use drugs, who often enter prison systems, continue to suffer great stigma and lack of access to treatments that can save both their own lives and prevent HIV transmission to others. “Complacency about the HIV /AIDS epidemic now would be a terrible mistake,” says Lancet Editor Dr Richard Horton.

The Series tackles the myths surrounding HIV and people who use drugs, and subjects as diverse as women and drugs to the effect of amphetamines, alcohol, and human rights on the epidemic. The issues surrounding antiretroviral HIV treatment, opioid substitution therapy, and needle and syringe programmes are covered in depth, as are the social issues around decriminalisation of drug users and reducing intimidation, stigmatisation, and imprisonment of drug users.

Follow this link to view articles.

Rob