It has proven more difficult to address the risk factors and behaviors associated with the sexual transmission of HIV from IDUs than those associated with injecting drug use itself. Condom distribution is low, as is the involvement of the sexual partners and contacts of the IDUs.

A need was indicated to collect additional quantitative and qualitative data in order to determine sexual behavior and relationships. The link between duration of drug use and sexual activity also needs to be explored. There was a need for overall strengthening of the sexual health component of the program.

The difference between the few STIs treated in the clinical setting and the high rate of STI's identified during research in the field has actually fuelled our efforts to direct focused attention to this sector