Drug substitution therapy: A dire need in Imphal
The ever-increasing number of injection drug users (IDU) in Imphal, India, which was last estimated at 14,000 (UNESCO/RSA, 1999-2000) is a matter that needs serious consideration.
Furthermore, the prevalence of HIV infection among IDUs has remained as high as 60 % (MSACS epidemiological report June 2004), indicating a more effective response is much needed. Compounding this issue is the reality that many HIV positive IDUs do not have access to antiretroviral therapy which is critical to extending their lives. In the absence of access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), public health officials and policy makers must scale up non-ARV treatments for injecting drug users, such as substitution therapy. In India, while harm reduction programs, are increasing many do not include substitution therapy, a critical component of an effective harm reduction program.
Substitution programs are necessary to improve and extend the health and lives of injecting drug users. The success of a healthy harm reduction program implementation is reinforced by a well designed substitution program. Recently, the Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) concluded a substitution program in Imphal, that was in operation for two years. Since the program has ended, many former patients have been continuously asking about the Buprenorphine substitution program. This shows the effectiveness of the program among former clients and clearly indicates that substitution therapy is the preferred mode of treatment among injecting drug users.
Substitution programs are an effective approach to controlling the spread of blood borne infections and thereby reducing the drug-related harm and leading to more productive lives for injecting drug users. However, substitution therapy, despite being endorsed by the state AIDS policy has never surfaced as an undertaking by the health authorities. The effectiveness of such program has been proven around the globe and such program could only bring about a sound response in the dual epidemic of HIV infection and IDUs. Additionally, management of IDUs under a prescribed drug of known potency can enhance the quality of life among IDUs and could further provide opportunities to seek out additional care and services when they are ready to do so. Thousands of HIV positive injecting drug users will lose their lives during the next few years while we wait for expanded ARV programmes to deliver on their promises. It is critical that effective and affordable non-ARV treatments, such as substitution therapy, be made available now to extend the lives of those living with HIV.
HDN Key Correspondent
Email: correspondents@hdnet.org
(July 2004)
Furthermore, the prevalence of HIV infection among IDUs has remained as high as 60 % (MSACS epidemiological report June 2004), indicating a more effective response is much needed. Compounding this issue is the reality that many HIV positive IDUs do not have access to antiretroviral therapy which is critical to extending their lives. In the absence of access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), public health officials and policy makers must scale up non-ARV treatments for injecting drug users, such as substitution therapy. In India, while harm reduction programs, are increasing many do not include substitution therapy, a critical component of an effective harm reduction program.
Substitution programs are necessary to improve and extend the health and lives of injecting drug users. The success of a healthy harm reduction program implementation is reinforced by a well designed substitution program. Recently, the Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) concluded a substitution program in Imphal, that was in operation for two years. Since the program has ended, many former patients have been continuously asking about the Buprenorphine substitution program. This shows the effectiveness of the program among former clients and clearly indicates that substitution therapy is the preferred mode of treatment among injecting drug users.
Substitution programs are an effective approach to controlling the spread of blood borne infections and thereby reducing the drug-related harm and leading to more productive lives for injecting drug users. However, substitution therapy, despite being endorsed by the state AIDS policy has never surfaced as an undertaking by the health authorities. The effectiveness of such program has been proven around the globe and such program could only bring about a sound response in the dual epidemic of HIV infection and IDUs. Additionally, management of IDUs under a prescribed drug of known potency can enhance the quality of life among IDUs and could further provide opportunities to seek out additional care and services when they are ready to do so. Thousands of HIV positive injecting drug users will lose their lives during the next few years while we wait for expanded ARV programmes to deliver on their promises. It is critical that effective and affordable non-ARV treatments, such as substitution therapy, be made available now to extend the lives of those living with HIV.
HDN Key Correspondent
Email: correspondents@hdnet.org
(July 2004)
posted by AIDS-Care-Watch at 9:30 pm
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