Explosive Hep C infection among the IDUs in Kerala.

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Dear Forum,

The First IDU Harm reduction project in Kerala, implemented by CSRD (Center for

Social Research and Development) in Calicut has completed one year of

implementation. One of the significant finding of this project is that, an

explosive level of Hep C has been reported among the IDUs in Calicut.

The key out comes are:

277 Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) have been identified, interviewed, offered harm

reduction messages and Support Services. (only two were women). The estimated

IDU population in Calicut is about 500. Brown sugar is the major drug in used in

the ara

Among the 277, about 175 visited the drop in center at least once in a month.

Results of HIV prevalence (sentinel study)

4 persons tested HIV positive (N=155)

130 persons tested Heptitis C positive (N=145)

13 persons tested Hepatitis B positive(N=145)

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Yours in solidarity

Tito

Director, CSRD

E-mail: <titothomas@...>