ASD - PAKISTAN

Preventing HIV in Injecting drug users in Pakistan. Developing, operationalising, evaluating and refining the guidelines and materials for a multi-component intervention of IDU

People who use non sterile injecting drug equipment can become infected with HIV. In Pakistan, the IDU, or Injecting Drug User, has been identified as an important factor in controlling HIV/AIDS.

In this COMDIS project, researchers at the Association for Social Development and the National Aids Control Programme of Pakistan are developing a model that enables district health services to deliver and manage the components of IDU care and support through public-private partnerships. The project will also provide an opportunity for facility and field-based staff who are involved in IDU care and support to study, develop, implement and evaluate guidelines, training and communication materials.

The researchers will assess the guidelines and materials for their effectiveness and feasibility. They will also develop materials for comprehensive harm reduction which include IDU mapping and outreach interventions. The refined products will be made available for replication in other districts.

The project, which began in April 2010, will use quantitative and qualitative research methods and is expected to be completed in March 2011.