Injecting drug use among adolescents has been largely overlooked in responses to HIV. At Harm Reduction International we have undertaken the first global snapshot of available data on this issue – copies are available outside (And online at http://www.ihra.net/contents/1431 )

National population size estimates are exceptionally rare for this age group. Under 18s are often not included behavioural surveillance. Specific research is quite rare. A lot of what is available is isolated, one off or old. In other words most countries don’t know their epidemic

Early onset of injecting, and having recently begun injecting, have been associated with increased risks of HIV and hepatitis C transmission.

Low ages of initiation are clear across regions. In Nepal, for example,it is estimated that 20% of people who inject may be under 18.

A third of young people who inject reported starting under the age of 15 in Albania – a quarter in Romania. In Indonesia adolescents are almost twice as likely to share needles than older counterparts. They are less likely to test for HIV

In Ukraine it has been estimated that there are just over 50,000 adolescents injecting drugs. According to data from harm reduction services, about 800 were reached last year.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.

Injecting drug use among adolescents has been largely overlooked in responses to HIV.

At Harm Reduction International we have undertaken the first global snapshot of available data on this issue – copies are available outside (And online at http://www.ihra.net/contents/1431 )

National population size estimates are exceptionally rare for this age group.

Under 18s are often not included behavioural surveillance. Specific research is quite rare. A lot of what is available is isolated, one off or old. In other words most countries don’t know their epidemic

A third of young people who inject reported starting under the age of 15 in Albania – a quarter in Romania.

In Indonesia adolescents are almost twice as likely to share needles than older counterparts. They are less likely to test for HIV

- See more at: http://unaidspcbngo.org/?p=20779#sthash.5xlyNcQg.dpuf

Harm Reduction International’s intervention on youth thematic segment

People who use drugs, often comit small crimes to obtain money for the substance. In Bulgaria there are about 2,000 drug users in prison, about 20% of all prisoners. Society expects that the prison "will do" - will punish and correct unwanted behavior. But drug dependence should be treated as a health issue. Could the drug-crime cycle be interrupted if these people had the chance to receive treatment instead of prison? "

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.

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Harm Reduction International’s intervention on youth thematic segment

Initiative for Health Foundation video