Increasing coverage of hard to reach groups of PWIDs through peer driven intervention

4^th International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs and STIs

October 03-05, 2016 Orlando, Florida, USA

Maka Gogia

Georgian Harm Reduction Network, Georgia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

Existing strict drug law environment and tendency to inject drugs in relatively small groups revealed a meaningful obstacle for harm reduction programs to get to hard to reach groups, among them to female and young (18-25 year) injecting drug users (PWIDs). Estimated number of injecting drug users have been increasing during recent years in Georgia and is considered to be 49700. To solve the problems and to increase further coverage of unreached groups, people who had never enrolled in any HIV prevention programs, Georgian Harm Reduction Network initiated Peer Driven Intervention (PDI) in 10 cities at 13 harm reduction sites. This intervention gives possibility to educate all recruited ones PWID on HIV/AIDs, viral hepatitis, STIs. Targeted education module consisted of 8 educational topics. During this educational intervention there was provide a study to assess their risky behavior, knowledge on harm reduction issues and needs to plan adequate HIV program activities. The recruitment of PWIDs was done through respondent driven sampling. Average 3 to 6 seeds per sites were prepared and trained for recruitment of their peers. Respondents who agreed to recruit were provided 3 coupons. Monetary incentives were envisaged based on education level of each recruited peers. Additional incentives were given for recruitment of female and/or young IDUs. Each PDI participant was offered free tests of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis. PDI intervention intensively was carried out during 6 years (2010-2015). Totally 15,750 PWIDs were reached through this intervention, it was used as an effective tool to attract female and young PWIDs. Number of attracted women increased 2 times in 2012 and 3 times in 2013 and 2014. PDI enabled to increase number of recruited young injectors in 2013 young injectors accounted only 5% among needle and syringe program beneficiaries, while among PDI could recruit clients this sub-group consisted of 39%. Risky behavior and awareness on harm reduction topics were assessed and proper strategies for further actions were developed.

Biography :

Email: mgogia@hrn.ge marine_gogia@yahoo.com