HIV: People who inject drugs

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at special risk of developing a range of infectious diseases because of the dangers posed by contaminated injection needles, syringes and drugs. In addition, IDUs engage in risk-taking behaviour and tend not to look after their health, leaving them at risk of contracting diseases such as sexually transmitted infections.

For more information on the drug situation in Ireland:

EMCDDA: Key statistics on the drug situation in Ireland

Publications

Drug-related bloodborne viruses in Ireland, 2018

File Size: (728kB)
Publication Date: September 2018
This report summarises what is currently known about hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in drug users in Ireland. Trends in drug use and in drug treatment services are also described. Gaps in knowledge and opportunities for improvement in the way information is collected or recorded are highlighted.

Links

EMCDDA: Drug-related infectious diseases

WHO: HIV - People who inject drugs

Last reviewed: 30 September 2022