In many countries, young women have far less knowledge about HIV then young men.

Young girls and sex workers
There is a special need to consider young women in terms of their vulnerability and especially
linked to their access to information [20]. In many countries, young women have far less
knowledge about HIV then young men.
Among adolescent drug using girls, sex work can rapidly become a part of life as a means of
funding their drug habit. These girls are at high risk of acquiring HIV and can serve as a
transmission link of HIV to their casual and regular sexual partners, to their children and to the
general population through paid sex. Girls also suffer a high incidence of sexual abuse, rape and
victimization.
Condoms are little known or used by young women in developing countries. Their use usually
depends on the cooperation of the man, and young women are often embarrassed to suggest
using a condom.
Background and purpose
HIV prevention among young injecting drug users
22
Females may need specialized services, such as those for pregnant or parenting adolescents. It
has been shown that girls often experience more severe parental rejection and sexual or physical
abuse than boys do. Weak family bonds are a precursor to substance abuse in females. Also,
some studies indicate that psychiatric profiles of females show higher disturbance among all
dimensions [21].
Homeless/street children
The street environment places street children in especially vulnerable categories. Drug abuse
behaviour is widely prevalent. Often, drugs are used as an escape from self-degradation and
misery. Services rarely understand the circumstances and specific needs of street children and
their accessibility to health care services, particularly those related to drug abuse and HIV/AIDS
is severely restricted.
Street populations are prone to experimentation, and therefore are more likely to try injection
drug use. Injection may also be a demonstration of “street toughness” that preserves a person’s
status on the street.
Besides needle sharing, unsafe sex practices under the influence of substances increases the risk
of contracting HIV. Some findings seem to indicate that street children are often intoxicated
while having sex with opposite or same sex partners.
A study in South Asia found that street boys become sexually active between the age of 7-9 years.
Unprotected sex is common and visits to commercial sex workers are frequent. There is a total
lack of awareness and knowledge among street children about the risks associated with drug
use/abuse and unsafe sexual practices [20].
Studies carried out by CEBRID (Brazilian Center for Information on Psychotropic Drugs) in 1989
and 1993 revealed that up to 90 per cent of the children and adolescents who live on the streets
use drugs. This figure was lowest in Rio, where rates were still above 50 per cent [22].
Immigrant groups and minorities
Minority groups, for example immigrants from a different culture, often have difficulty
integrating into the new society and can become an isolated group that may breed drug use.
In Australia, Indo-Chinese immigrants are a specific group that needs to be dealt with as many
problems have lead them to have high drug use rates. Evidence from several studies suggests
that Indo-Chinese injecting drug users may be at increased risk of blood-borne viral infection.
As a group, they appear to be more socially isolated, have significantly less contact with
services and limited knowledge and awareness of blood-borne viruses. Recent studies of Indo-
Chinese IDUs have found high levels of needle and syringe sharing [8].