Baseline Study of the Relationship between IDU, HIV and Hepatitis C among Male IDUs in Lahore

A baseline study of injecting drug users (IDUs) in Lahore, undertaken in January and February, 1999, by UNDCP and UNAIDS, revealed an alarmingly high rate of infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) among the study population. The study results suggest the potential for an even greater public health challenge in the form of an epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) once the virus enters this highly vulnerable population. In addition, there is the possibility of a more generalised HIV epidemic as a result of secondary transmission through sexual activity. The study results will have important implications for the formulation of Pakistan's strategies regarding drug abuse, especially among IDUs, and for the development of appropriate and effective plans for programmes of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.