Access to Health and Support Systems: Role of NGOs in Facilitation Process among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in Bilaspur

Abstract

In Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur has a high prevalence of Injecting Drug Use and it is associated with HIV/AIDS infection, which is fast increasing. There is an urgent need to understand the treatment seeking behaviour of IDUs. Various services and treatment options are in place for IDUs in Bilaspur. Both Government and NGOs are active in spreading awareness and providing necessary support to the drug users. But formulating policies and setting-up establishments alone will not ensure the welfare of the target population. A timely assessment of their efficacy is required. An important factor in the success of these measures is the access and adherence of IDUs to these services. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the utilization of these services by the target population and the effect of various barriers on the same. Furthermore, it is imperative to identify the services, which are underutilized to strategize and implement specific interventions. Earlier studies in this region have concentrated on mainly the prevalence of Injecting Drug Use, its determinants and prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection among IDUs but no study enquiring into the utilization of services has been done in Bilaspur. Hence, this paper will especially examine the effect of socio-demographic factors, family and community attitudes and other factors on the accessibility and appropriate utilization of various support services. Furthermore, it verifies the accountability of the government programs for IDUS. Lastly, a conclusion has been made.

Keywords: NGO, IDUs, health, support systems, facilitation

Cite this Article

Vikram Singh, Access to Health and Support Systems: Role of NGOs in Facilitation Process among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in Bilaspur. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2018; 8(3): 1–6p.