At the Sharp End, is Turning Point's new
campaign report which focuses on the prevalence of blood borne
viruses, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C among injecting drug
users.
At the Sharp End report
At the Sharp End full research findings
View the press release
Listen to audio
testimonies
About the campaign
Hepatitis C and HIV
among drug users is on the rise and is a major public health
problem. One in two drug users have Hepatitis C. One in 50 have
HIV. We now have a new generation of young injecting drug users,
using heroin and crack together, who are at greater risk of
infection and who may not have been tested or be receiving
treatment for their illness.
Our research found that:
• Half of respondents shared needles or other injecting
equipment.
• Nearly one in five were speedballing (injecting a combination of
heroin and crack) which is much more dangerous than heroin alone
and carries higher risks of catching infections.
• Drugs users are taking more risks with their health by injecting
into the neck and groin
• Many people were unable to get treatment for their condition. Of
those drug users who had Hepatitis C, less than a quarter had
accessed treatment.
We want the Government to do more to stop the spread of blood
borne viruses and to tackle this as a major public health issue.
The new Drugs Strategy, due in 2008, needs a stronger commitment to
reducing the transmission of these blood borne viruses, and to
improving access to testing and treatment, with clear targets to
ensure this happens.
Get involved
If you would like more information about the campaign or wish to
share a personal experience with us please send an email to
atthesharpend@turning-point.co.uk.
For more updates on the campaign and the chance to share your
views please visit our new blog website.
Media enquiries
For media enquiries please contact our press office.
External links
The following websites provide more information about blood borne
viruses and harm reduction.
Health
Protection Agency (information on Hepatitis C)
Department of Health (information on Hepatitis C)
FACE IT
(Hepatitis C awareness)
Safer Injecting Handbook
Hepatitis C
Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust