Introduction
Injection drug use (IDU) is now the main mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS. The negative health consequences of IDU are not limited to just HIV infection. Sharing injection equipment carries a high risk of transmission of other blood-borne infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Supported by the State AIDS Control Society (OSACS), Orissa, Targeted Intervention Project for IDUs in Bhubaneswar City’ started from July 2006 with 346 IDUs and subsequently increased to 600 IDUs. The figure might stagger to 1200 IDUs in 2008.
Aims
To facilitate preventive activities and interventions among Intravenous drug users (IDUs) by implementing action-oriented programmes on the context and health consequences of drug injection behaviour in urban slums of Bhubaneswar.
Objective
HIV prevention among IDUs through increased access to educational information, understanding & and awareness on individual protection among IDUs (syringes) to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV
Activities
a) Mapping of ID Users,
b) Needle & syringe exchange programme,
c) Drugs substitution programme,
e) Abscess care,
f) Vain care management,
g) Over dose management,
h) Safer injecting practices,
i) Condom promotion,
j) Focused Group Discussions with ID Users and family members,
k) Training programmes for staff, Peer Educators and Outreach Workers,
l) Sensitization programmes for ID Users,
m) Collection of Blood Samples for the purpose of the sentinel site survey (one time activity),
n) Linkages with drug De-addiction Centres,
o) Linkages with other secondary stakeholders etc.
Programme Outcomes
• The activities started with area mapping. The areas are divided into 9 clusters with 44 sites for intervention.
• By the end of March 2008, the project identified 900 IDUs
• In different program 232 users are in drug substitutions and 214 needle syringe programme. 48 IDUs are referred to the drug de-addiction centre and clean for on an average of last 2 months to 14months.
• Organised 35 street plays within the city on different issues of drug uses.
• Involvement of the family members in drug substitutions creating a positive impact on social trust aspect among the users.
• GIS develop with consultation with the team to maintain the information base of IDUs as well as monitor the impact of prevention activities.
• Facilitating OSACS in sentinel site survey with IDUs in Bhubaneswar. Collected 250 blood sample from different site by December 2007.
Networking & Linkage
• Linkages are established with 4 drug de-addiction centres and MSJE in Bhubaneswar for referring IDUs
• Narcotics Anonymous Group and recovery addicted are actively involved through the support group activity.
• Established linkages with ICTC for blood test of target group and their family members. Those found HIV positive are referred to KNP+ (positive network).
• Linkages with Jana Sikhan Sanstha and Employment Misson, Government of Orissa for vocational training to recovered IDU
• Linkages with other organisations namely; Action Aid, UNDP, UNFPA, VJSS, OLS, and PURVASHA to improve technical capacities to provide more sustainable response in the different area of activity
AChievements
It is found that 33% minimised the consumption of drugs. Needle & syringe exchange programme led to 70% of them returning the syringes.
