Evidence of Rising Prevalence of HIV Among IDUs in Greece

"In 2011, data on serological and behavioural indicators were collected on a total of 2,329 IDUs (not accounting for double counts; data from 63 out of the 70 sites in the DRID [Drug Related Infectious Diseases] network). The number of tests conducted in 2011 in the three different data and the demographic characteristics of the IDUs tested are presented in Table 6.2 and Table 6.3, respectively.
"NFP’s [National Focal Point's] data corroborate KEELPNO’s evidence for sharp increases in the number of HIV cases involving IDU and possible rise in the infection in this group. Before 2011, the HIV prevalence among IDUs annually tested in the treatment settings never exceeded 2% (DRID data, Figure 6.3). In 2011, data reported from all sources showed a sharp increase in the number of IDUs diagnosed with HIV and a significant increase in the HIV prevalence in this population reaching levels as high as 4.4% at the national level (Figure 6.3); even higher in Athens (around 8%). Among the HIV positive cases in 2011, 85.9% were males, 56.3% 25-34 years of age and 88.0% were opioid users (8.0% also injected stimulants). Finally, 98.3% were HCV co-infected."