A Comprehensive Approach:
Preventing Blood-Borne Infections Among Injection Drug Users
Chapter 3 Section 4: Conclusion
Preventing Blood-Borne Infections Among
Injection Drug Users: A Comprehensive Approach has described a critically
important public health problem now facing our nation. The intersecting
epidemics of injection drug use and blood-borne pathogen infection present
multiple, long-term challenges that demand immediate action. If this
problem is to be effectively addressed, many different groups, organizations,
and individuals must work singly and together to focus on both epidemics.
We hope that the comprehensive approach presented here provides some
new ways of thinking about the problem and about IDUs, some starting
points for dialogue and collaboration, and some avenues for constructive
action. Injection drug users, their sex partners, and their children
have much to gain from this new thinking, collaboration, and action.
Neighborhoods, communities, and the nation also have a major stake in
the success of these efforts, for reduced drug use and reduced HIV and
viral hepatitis transmission have concrete and long-lasting benefits-
safer streets, healthier people, and a more productive society.
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