The prevention of HIV infection from injecting drug use--A review of health promotion approaches

This review examines the prevention of HIV infection among injecting drug users through the framework provided by the Ottawa Charter on Health Promotion. Among the key issues considered are the problems of achieving the changes in policy and service direction needed to prevent HIV infection. The role of the media in influencing public opinion is examined, together with the potential for traditional educational approaches to achieve safer practices among injecting drug users. The authors conclude that a better integrated and more comprehensive approach to HIV prevention may be needed for substantial progress to occur. A proactive response utilising outreach work is recommended for drug services, and health workers together with drug service professionals are encouraged to act as advocates in gaining public and political support for change.