DECLINING RISK FOR HIV AMONG INJECTING DRUG-USERS IN KATHMANDU, NEPAL- THE IMPACT OF A HARM-REDUCTION PROGRAM

Objective: To measure changes in self-reported risk behaviour for HIV infections and HIV seroprevalence among injecting drug user (IDU) clie nts of an outreach harm-reduction programme in Kathmandu, Nepal. Metho ds: The Lifesaving and Lifegiving Society (LALS) of Kathmandu began pr oviding sterile injecting equipment and education to Nepalese IDU in 1 991. A sample of these IDU were interviewed and tested for HIV each ye ar from 1991 through 1994. Results: Indicators of unsafe injecting fel l, as knowledge of HIV rose more in 1994 for those who had been in tou ch with LALS for longer. Indicators of unsafe sex did not change. HIV seroprevalence remained low, 1.6% in 1991 and 0% in 1994. Conclusion: We conclude that programmes for the prevention of HIV spread among IDU are possible and effective in Asia, and are urgently needed.