Local research indicates ongoing spread of drug use, lowering heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine) and growing drug-using populations from different social and ethnic backgrounds in different regions of the country. There is evidence of increasing availability of illicit drugs (e.g. Within a ten year period South Africa has developed a substantial illicit drug market. Recent data demonstrates that drug-related health problems (such as HIV infections) are increasing in South Africa. HIV testing and treatment services also need to be made available in places accessed by drug users. Knowledge with regards to substance related HIV/AIDS transmission is not yet widespread, with some information sources disseminating incorrect or unspecific information.Ĭonclusions: The implementation of pragmatic harm-reduction and other evidence-based public health care policies that are designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with substance use and HIV/AIDS should be considered. Participants were not fully aware of the concrete health risks involved in drug use, and the vague ideas held appear not to allow for concrete measures to protect themselves. Heroin was found to be the substance most available and used in a problematic way within the Pretoria area. Results and Discussion: Adverse living conditions and poor education levels were cited as making access to treatment harder, especially for those living in disadvantaged areas. Interviews were conducted with a total of 84 key informant (KI) participants, 63 drug user KI participants (49 males, 14 females) and 21 KI service providers (8 male, 13 female). For individual and focus group interviews a semi-structured questionnaire was utilised that addressed key issues. Methods: A Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) methodology was adopted for the study. This study aimed to explore the emerging problem of drug-related HIV transmission and to stimulate the development of adequate health services for the drug users, by linking international expertise and local research. While there is international evidence on and experience with adequate responses, limited responses addressing drug use and drug-use-related HIV and other health risks are witnessed in South Africa. Data on HIV risk among drug using populations clearly indicate high levels of HIV risk behaviour due to the sharing of injecting equipment and/or drug-related unprotected sex. Monika ML dos Santos1*, Franz Trautmann2 and John-Peter Kools3īackground: Within a ten year period South Africa has developed a substantial illicit drug market. Rapid assessment response (RAR) study: drug use and health risk - Pretoria, South Africa
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