Prevention of the spread of HIV

Prevention of the spread of HIV among IDUs uses various strategies. The most recommended way
to go about prevention is to provide a comprehensive package of care for injecting drug users.
This section should help you to build up your programme by following the ideas we have
brought together here. Remember—this guide is not all encompassing, there is always more
information being released and other sources that can help you with specific aspects of your
work. This guide should help you get started, but it will not be your ending point!
A comprehensive package [32] should aim to include:
Provision of HIV/AIDS information and education;
Access to basic services and primary health care;
Life skills training and peer education;
Condom distribution;
Access to clean needles and syringes and possibly bleach materials;
Voluntary and confidential HIV testing and counselling;
Referral for a variety of treatment options.