In many countries, the current dramatic spread of blood-borne infections, from HIV/AIDS to Hepatitis C, is aggravating the suffering that comes from the chronic abuse of drugs. As a result, people at risk of HIV, or already infected by AIDS need tangible, targeted and immediate help before this pandemic evolves into the biggest killer in history ... My office is mandated, via the UN Drugs Conventions, not just to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse, but also to reduce the harm caused by drugs. The best form of dealing with the problem is, of course, abstinence and at UNODC, we've invested substantial resources in prevention and treatment. We are increasing the assistance to populations at high HIV/AIDS risk, and we work with governments so that they can reach people before they join the ranks of the HIV-positive. This is where we can make a significant difference. This is where resources are well spent, as it is always easier to attack a problem before it materialises, or spins out of control. HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes for injecting drug users typically include a wide variety of measures (the 'package' approach), ranging from drug dependence treatment, including drug substitution treatment, outreach providing injecting drug users with information on risk reduction and referral to services, clean needles and syringes, and condoms, voluntary counselling and testing,
treatment of sexually transmitted infections, antiretroviral therapy, and interventions for especially at-risk populations such as prisoners and sex workers who inject drugs. Such a comprehensive package of measures also usually includes treatment instead of punishment for persons convicted of minor offences, since drug treatment not only constitutes humane, cost effective alternative, but also incarceration usually increases the risk of HIV transmission.
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Publisher:
UNODC, AusAID
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(2006
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Type / Script:
Publication
in English
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Keywords:
AIDS, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES, HIV/AIDS, DRUG POLICY, DRUG ADDICTS, DRUG ABUSE, DRUG EDUCATION, NARCOTIC DRUGS, DRUG CONTROL, AIDS PREVENTION, DRUG DEPENDENCE, SYRINGES, ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY, DRUG TREATMENT, HIV INFECTIONS, SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR, DRUG TREATMENT, REHABILITATION, DRUG DETOXIFICATION, HABITUAL DRUG USERS
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Thematic Group:
UNODC
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Drugs and Crime
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Thesaurus:
10.03.02
- Diseases And Carriers Of Diseases
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Reference Link:
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