Title:
Introducing Drug Related Harm Reduction Among People who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Ghana: Lessons from selected African Countries
Authors:
Basha, Ligbi
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
x, 36
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Harm reduction, People who inject drugs (PWID), Ghana, HIV, Psychotropic substances
Abstract:
Background: Ghana is one of the countries in sub Saharan Africa with strong economic growth. With a population close to 28million people (GSS et al 2016), not much research demonstrates the Harm reduction (HR) interventions among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and HIV transmission among them. Objectives: To Identify Contributing factors influencing drug use and HIV transmission among PWID in Ghana and evidence for effective Interventions regarding drug related harm reduction in Ghana. Method: Literature was reviewed using the modified conceptual framework adapted from Andersen and Single to interpret the literature. Results: The findings suggest growing trend of drug use in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa with high HIV transmission. This is due to poor economic conditions, the mass media, weak parenting as well as peer influence. There is lack of data on PWIDs and its associated HIV infection rate in Ghana and across Africa and this does not present a clear picture of the situation. Harm Reduction interventions are not existent in Ghana except mental health hospitals with Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and Antiretroviral Therapy (ARTs) services. Needle syringe exchange programme (NSEP) and Opioid substitution therapy (OST) however are in some African countries. Laws and policies in Africa criminalize the use of drugs. Finally, variables influencing the use of drugs are, multifaceted, multi-dimensional and interrelated. Recommendations: The study indicates the need for the adoption of NSEP and OST, widening access to VCT and ARTs. NACOB should collaborate with MOH and Department of social welfare (DSW) in the implementation of the NSEP programme. Finally, there is the need for the Ministry of Health to enhance and expand the ART programmes currently on going in Ghana.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Ghana
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2017 Basha
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
ztWMy2CuDl_20180404102928713.pdf