Peer Facilitator Tools ___________________________________________________
HIV Prevention Strategies for people who inject drugs
It is important to remember that if someone injects, there are ways to reduce the risks Safer injecting practices of contracting HIV, hepatitis C and other blood borne infections, experiencing overdose, and damaging veins.
Irreversible damage to the veins may occur where there is:
o Repeated use of the same area of the body for injection o Poor injection technique o Injection with blunt( reused) needles o Injection with needles that are too large for the vein you are using o Injection of irritant substances
In the course of conversations about injecting techniques, discuss how service providers should provide information to their clients about the importance of:
o Washing hands and cleaning the injection site with soap and water, or an alcohol swab.