Network of Low-Threshold Centres as a Response to Concentrated HIV Epidemic among IDUs in Latvia.

Network of Low-Threshold Centres as a Response to Concentrated

HIV Epidemic among IDUs in Latvia

HIV Incidence by Transmission Group and Year

September 1, 2004198

7

198

8

198

9

199

0

199

1

199

2

199

3

199

4

199

5

199

6

199

7

199

8

199

9

200

0

200

1

200

2

200

3

200

4

15

122

192

382

663

396

231

82

2 6 3 2 4 13 32 73 71 91126

1 23 6 5 2 15 25 46 64 65 67

39

1 15 1 1 5 3 8 9 16 22

105 7 8 12

31 1

2 2 1

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Changing philosophy

Transformation from Needle Exchange Point to Low Threshold Centre

– Needle&syringe exchange – outreach– Voluntary Counseling and Testing– condoms– disinfectants– Information– psychological and social support – reference and entry to drug and HIV treatment

programmes

HIV Cases and Locations of LTC

September 1, 2004

Jurmala – 20 km long sea side resort

Comparative Data of Low - Threshold Program in Latvia

(1999 – 2003)

9054 8354

5295150157

9414691447

56079

125696

116873

3621731

26614

3233

43793

3643

77893 76590

44232

2816 2406

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

new clients Contacts Syringes for distribution Syringes disposed

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Results & Sustainability

Sevices: – Free of charge– VCT, N&S exchange, condoms, disinfectants, information etc.

6110 new clients engaged during the project More than 2000 HIV tests done Municipal responsibility:

– Insures operation of the center through municipal budget AIDS prevention center respponsibility:

– syringes, needles, – condoms, – Information materials, – HIV tests