Interventions for injecting drug users.

In response to the growing problem of transmission of HIV among intravenous drug users (IDUs) a variety of prevention interventions have been implemented in different parts of the world. Some of these interventions have been found effective in reducing as well as preventing transmission of HIV. A substantial body of empirical and theoretical evidence demonstrates that a reduction in the sharing of injection drug use equipment significantly reduces HIV transmission rates among IDUs. This paper presents brief summaries of some of these interventions that have been used with IDUs. Some of the existing interventions for HIV prevention include: education increasing availability of clean injection equipment decontamination of used needles and syringes pharmacological treatment of drug addiction outreach programs HIV testing organization of IDUs and social network intervention. More prevention intervention programs though need to be initiated in developing countries. Program planners and researchers need to strive for better implementation of these programs.