The HIV/hepatitis B/hepatitis C risk associated with stimulant drug use is linked to a higher prevalence of unprotected sex and of sharing pipes, straws and injection equipment, in some groups of men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs and people in prison.
In particular, there seems to be an association between the use of stimulants and an increase in high-risk sexual behaviour. The use of stimulant drugs to facilitate sex (ChemSex) has been linked to decreased condom use, sex with multiple partners and other high-risk sexual behaviours that increase likelihood of HIV and hepatitis C transmission.
What we do:
Supporting the revision, adaptation, development and implementation of effective legislation, policies and strategies
UNODC works to advance national dialogues and advocacy for the development of targeted HIV programmes responding to the needs of people who use stimulant drugs
Development and dissemination of normative guidance on HIV
UNODC developed the Technical Guide: HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support for People Who Use Stimulant Drugs. The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance on addressing HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B among people who use stimulant drugs and who are at particular risk of contracting these viruses.
Capacity building
Based on the technical guide, UNODC developed three training packages that can be adapted for implementation in each country based on the specific context including the key populations groups affected and the type of drugs: Amphetamine-type stimulant drugs (ATS), Cocaine, and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
UNODC is conducting country level trainings to increase capacity of services providers – including governmental, non-governmental, community-based organizations to implement HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes for people who use stimulant drugs.
Technical assistance
UNODC supports the development and implementation of comprehensive evidence-based interventions for HIV prevention, treatment and care.
Advocacy
UNODC promotes human rights-based, gender responsive, public health-centered and evidence-based approaches, elimination of stigma, discrimination and violence.
