In 2006 there were an estimated 1,935 people who use injection drugs infected with HIV in Ontario. This accounts for eight per cent of all HIV-infected people in the province.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care supports three initiatives that address HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who use injection drugs :

Needle exchange programs (NEPs) are located in parts of the province that have high rates of injection drug use. Currently, there are 34 NEPs across Ontario.

Each NEP provides basic services, including :

• needle distribution and disposal
• condom distribution
• education and information
• referrals and counseling

In addition, many NEPs have augmented their programs by adding :

• testing for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, HBV and HCV testing for pregnancy
• immunization
• food and clothing banks
• job referrals
• methadone maintenance clinics
• medical care

For NEP locations call the AIDS Hotline: 416-392-2437 or 1-800-668-2437.

The OHRDP is closely affiliated with the government's needle exchange programs. It supports distribution of harm reduction materials intended to reduce infection transmission, including :

• sterile water
• alcohol prep pads
• tourniquets
• filters
• vitamin c (acidifier)
• cookers

The OHRDP also provides education, learning opportunities and knowledge transfer through Ontario's needle exchange programs. It hosts an annual harm reduction conference in Ontario.

The Injection Drug User Outreach Program funds community-based prevention workers in local communities to provide HIV prevention, education, support and referrals to injection drug users who are at risk of contracting HIV and HCV.

There are 15 agencies in Ontario that operate HIV/IDU outreach programs.

For immediate assistance and referral, please call the AIDS Hotline at :
1-800-668-2437
Toronto : 416-392-2437