HIV and AIDS
There is a high rate of drug use among Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries and among returnees in Afghanistan. Injecting drug use is the primary transmitter of HIV in these populations and prevalence has been rising. The health consequences add to the hardships of displacement for individuals and families, as well as undermine prospects for successful reintegration.
While it is undisputed that demand stimulates supply, supply equally generates demand. An unfortunate case to the point are the growing number of illicit drug users in Afghanistan, with injecting drug use concentrated among Internally Displaced People (IDPs) or former refugees. Returning refugees and deportees, the majority of whom lived in countries with high addiction rates (i.e. Pakistan and Iran) have brought new drug use patterns such as injecting drug use (IDU) to the country. Afghan refugee camps in the North West Frontier Province with Pakistan have been assisted by UNODC's Afghanistan office to improve the capacity of their healthcare professionals and social workers. A new regional program is to focus on refugees in Iran.
In too many countries, IDU has proven to be the gateway for the spread of blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS. UNODC has therefore commenced projects in demand reduction and harm minimisation primarily engaging the Ministry of Counter Narcotics, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education, supporting treatment and rehabilitation services. This is complemented by training to community groups and the media on raising awareness towards drug demand issues. Finally and to ensure pointed action, UNODC is conducting a new drug use survey in Afghanistan and works with its partners on an improved assessment of the HIV picture.