At the Sharp End

At the Sharp End is Turning Point's report which focuses on the prevalence of blood borne viruses, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C among injecting drug users.

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 if 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.
Drug 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.

Turning Point is working to influence the Government to do more to stop the spread of blood borne viruses, and to improve access to testing and treatment, with clear targets to ensure this happens.

Downloads

At the Sharp End report (opens in new window) pdf (1411Kb)

At the Sharp End full research findings (opens in new window) pdf (1481Kb)

Media enquiries

For more information contact our Press Office press@turning-point.co.uk