Current status of drug use and HIV/AIDS prevention in drug users in China

The objective of this paper is to review the current status of drug use and HIV/AIDS prevention for drug users in China and to provide scientific evidence for HIV/AIDS prevention and control in drug users. This paper reviews literature and articles related to drug abuse in China, and reviews the results of prevention efforts and successful cases regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS prevention in drug users. Lessons learned are discussed for the future improvement of work and the sustainable development of treatment programs. The number of drug users in China is increasing. Even though the number of opioid-type drug users is growing more slowly than in the past, the number of amphetamine-type stimulant users has increased sharply. It has been proven that methadone maintenance treatment and syringe exchange programs gradually and successfully control HIV/AIDS transmission in drug users. However, it is necessary to enhance these prevention methods and expand their coverage. In addition, the strengthening of antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment for HIV-infected drug users is crucial for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. In the near future, the rapidly growing number of amphetamine-type stimulant users and their high-risk behavior pose a hidden danger of greater HIV/AIDS transmission through sexual intercourse. Copyright (C) 2013, Food and Drug Administration, Taiwan. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.