Location: Chengdu

Situation:

In 2007 it was estimated that 690,000 adults were living with HIV in China and, of these, 200,000 were women. Injecting drug users are the main at-risk group in this country where the AIDS epidemic continues to be denied and where needle sharing represents the main mode of transmission by far. This is why Doctors of the World (DoW) has been running a harm reduction project with drug users in Chengdu. 

Activities:

Through its two needle exchange centres in Chenghua and Jinnui districts, DoW UK offers drug users various harm reduction services. These include provision of injection kits and information materials, access to basic medical care, psychological support and social activities. 478,651 syringes have been distributed since the programme started, with a return rate of 102.7% in 2008. The programme emphasises the involvement of peer educators who organise health education sessions. 

Outlook:

The programme will continue in 2009, and the objective will be to develop the association of peer educators, to build their capacity, and to consolidate the partnership with the Centre for Disease Control with a view to our eventual withdrawal.