In South Asia, opioid use and in particular heroin use is on the increase. The diffusion of injecting drug use is causing concern in the region (UNODC and MSJE, 2004). Heroin and other opioid dependence cause significant morbidity and mortality; it is a chronic and enduring condition that often requires long-term treatment and care. An adequate access to a range of treatment options should be offered to respond to the varying needs of people with heroin/opioid dependence.

The project “Prevention of transmission of HIV among drug users in SAARC countries” (Project RAS/H13) is executed by UNODC as part of a joint UN initiative between UNODC, UNAIDS and WHO in South Asia. The overall goal of this project is to reduce the spread of HIV among drug using populations in SAARC countries. In doing so, the project assists governments and communities to scale-up comprehensive prevention and care programs for drug users, especially injecting drug users (IDUs), and their regular sex partners.

The road to zero new infections among people who inject drugs in Asia. Draft for Discussion at Meeting of UN Regional Interagency Team on AIDS (UN RITA) 14 June 2012, Bangkok, Thailand