Reducing HIV prevalence through promoting and sustaining behaviour change among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) in nigeria

Boniface Oguche, Population Services International (PSI)
Bede Eziefule, Center for the Right to Health
udeme Peter-Ijeh, Center for the Right to Health

Issues: Peer-based behavioral change intervention Project by Center for the Right to Health (CRH) aims to reduce HIV prevalence among PWIDs despite limitations in providing PWID-Specific interventions such as NSP and OST. Descriptions: The prevalence of HIV among PWIDs in Nigeria is 4.2% (IBBSS 2010) which is greater than the National Prevalence of 4.1% (ANC 2010) with prevalence among female IDUs about 7 times higher than among male IDUs (IBBSS, 2010). CRH is currently implementing HIV Prevention intervention for PWIDs in 9 States in Nigeria. Outcome: Between January 2013 and June 2015 a total of 4126 PWIDs have been reached with Minimum Prevention Package Intervention strategies. PWIDs reached across States reported Reduction in needle & syringe sharing, Reduction in unprotected sexual activity, Access to safer sex products. Lessons learned: Intervention for PWIDs requires holistic approach. Building capacity of PWIDs promotes sustainability Respecting their uniqueness enhances interventions Advocacy and research recommended