In this story:
- Notable increased risk of HIV transmission among people who use and inject drugs
- Lack of programming around drug use likely to affect progress in achieving the 95-95-95 global targets of ending AIDS by 2030
DRUG and substance use is fuelling a certain percentage in the new HIV infections because of the risk and unsafe practice that are associated with drug use itself, a local drug policy and harm reduction advocacy organisation, the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network (ZCLDN) has noted.
Addressing a media and science cafe on drug and substance use, organised by the Health Communicators Forum recently, ZCLDN programmes lead Knowledge Mupembe said there is an increased risk of HIV transmission among people who use and inject drugs through risky and unsafe sexual practices, drug overdose, sharing of needles and syringes including bluetoothing.
“Globally, drug injection accounts for approximately 10% of new HIV infections and about 23-39% of all new HCV infections occur among people who inject drugs –UNAIDS. The Eastern and Southern African accounts for approximately 54% of all the people living with HIV in the world, yet there is an estimate of about 410,000 PWID and about 21.8% of them are living with HIV.
“Drug use is now at an alarming level and the ZNASP IV identifies PWUID as key populations at risk of HIV but acknowledges that there is currently no programming. This is going to affect the country’s progress in achieving the 95-95-95 global targets of ending AIDS by 2030. PWUID are being left out and marginalized,” said Mupembe.
Impact on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
- Drug use can have a number of negative consequences and impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) which include:
- Increased risk of STIs: Drug use can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex. This can increase the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV.
- Increased risk of unintended pregnancy: Being hooked on drugs make it less likely that people will use and adhere to contraception. This can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, and there is no access to safe abortion services in Zimbabwe.
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes: Due to limited SRHR access, women who use drugs often experience a delay in pre-natal care and are sometimes diagnosed with HIV late in pregnancy or when already in labour. Drug use during pregnancy can lead to a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.
- Increased risk of mental health problems: Drug use can lead to or worsen mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These mental health problems can make it difficult for people who use drugs to make healthy choices about their sexual and reproductive health.
Challenges being faced in accessing HIV & SRHR services
People who use drugs face a number of challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) services. These challenges include:
- Stigma and discrimination: PWUID are often stigmatized and discriminated against by healthcare providers and society at large. This can make them reluctant to seek out SRHR & HIV services.
- Lack of awareness: Many people who use drugs are not aware of the SRHR services that are available to them.
- Cost: SRHR services can be expensive, especially in private facilities. This can be a barrier for people who use drugs, who may have limited financial resources.
- Lack of accessibility: SRHR services may not be accessible to people who use drugs, especially those who live in rural areas or who have limited mobility.
- Fear of criminalization: Drug use is a criminal offense. This can make people who use drugs fearful of seeking out SRHR services, as they may be worried about being arrested or prosecuted.
To combat drug and substance use the ZCLDN recommended:
- Develop and implement comprehensive drug control strategies that focus on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. These strategies should be based on the best available evidence and should be developed in consultation with people who use drugs.
- Increase funding for drug prevention, treatment, and harm reduction programs. This funding can be used to expand access to services, train healthcare providers, and develop new and innovative programs.