Addictions authority marks world HIV and AIDS awareness day

The addictions management authority on Friday issued a statement marking World Day for AIDS and HIV awareness.

The addictions authority noted it has prioritised the prevention of these diseases among users of addictive substances as part of its 2021-2028 national addiction strategy.

Official data reveal that of 331 people who reported having used injectable substances at least once in their life in 2022, only 170 have been examined for communicable diseases.

Additionally, 42 per cent of users of injectables tested were positive for Hepatitis C, and 12 people tested positive for HIV, the authority stated.

Among measures promoted to reduce the spread of the disease are the provision of kits including sterile syringes through vending machines.

The authority also aims to increase the numbers of people diagnosed through provision of rapid diagnostic tests for Hepatitis B/C and HIV at treatment facilities, as well as through mobile units island wide.

With these actions, the authority announced, it affirms its commitment to reducing and combating HIV, while at the same time promoting equal access to examination and treatment.