Objectives of the research study :

Yamuna Bazaar is an area of Delhi with a high concentration of injecting drug users; most of them live in parks, on the footpaths and under bridges. Over the past 6 years Sharan has implemented HIV prevention. Prevention is primarily supported by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS), which supports a needle and syringe exchange programme under its Targeted Intervention programme.

Community mobilization is primarily supported by the REACH programme for the Care and Support of People who are living with HIV.

Care & support and treatment activities are managed by Sharan’s participation in a network of 7 NGOs of whom MAMTA is the lead partner. A variety of medical services are available, including abscess management, primary health care, access to opiate agonist treatment and referrals to other treatment programmes.

A gradual increase has been observed in access to treatment like wound management, drug detoxification and rehabilitation, treatment for Opportunistic Infections, TB under DOTS, and free Anti-retroviral Therapy.

PREVENTION – The Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme

The needle and syringe exchange programme in Yamuna Bazaar is completely operated by local current and former drug users and people living with HIV. Sharan provides organizational support and administration and the project is financially supported by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society, under their Targeted Intervention programme. The mobilization and organization of local drug users has made it possible for the people who are most affected by HIV in the area to nurture an identity of ‘host’ rather than ‘targets’.