Low Dead-space Injecting Equipment Distribution Program for People Who Inject Drugs in Low- and Middle-income Countries

Launched by MÉDECINS DU MONDE · Apr 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving the health and safety of people who inject drugs by distributing special syringes and needles called low dead-space syringes/needles (LDSS/N) in countries like Armenia, Georgia, and Tanzania, among others. The aim is to find the best ways to provide these syringes to reduce the risk of diseases like HIV and hepatitis, which can be spread through sharing needles. Participants will be asked to join discussions to share their opinions on the program, and a group of 240 people (or 480 in Nigeria) in each country will take part in surveys and testing for HIV and hepatitis C.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 18 years old (or 16 in some cases), have used injection drugs in the past month, and be able to access needle and syringe programs. They should also be willing to get tested for HIV and hepatitis if they haven't done so already. Throughout the study, participants can expect to give feedback, answer questions about their experiences, and help shape a program that could significantly impact their communities. This trial is important because it seeks to understand how to make needle distribution more effective and accessible, ultimately improving public health for people who inject drugs.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged ≥18 years (note that country-specific protocols may include participants aged ≥16 where appropriate and relevant);
• • Reporting a history of recent (past month) injection drug use;
• • Accessing the NSP to receive injecting equipment at either a facility, mobile service or through outreach and have an accompanying assigned program unique ID;
• • Able to understand and communicate in the local language(s);
• • If self-reporting HCV/HIV negative status, interested in and agreeing to undergo HCV and HIV testing; and
• • Willing and able to provide informed consent to take part in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • N/A