ResearchProjects

In Nicaragua, many of the preconditions which  lead to a large HIV epidemic exist, including displacement due to political instability and natural disasters, presence of migrants and other mobile populations, shared borders with countries which have major HIV epidemics and increased sex work in areas with high concentrations of transient workers. In addition, there were indicators that drug trafficking was influencing local drug use along with a lack of basic HIV/AIDS information and education. There was no systematic HIV surveillance, low levels of HIV testing and little information on drug use in the country. This exploratory study examined drug use patterns in Managua, Nicaragua. They identified methods of reaching drug using populations, described patterns of drug use, and explored how drug use influences HIV transmission. The project was conducted through the leading HIV/AIDS organization in the country, and the collaboration helped them develop the capacity to conduct behavioral research in drug use and HIV. The study’s findings were used to inform HIV prevention efforts and the development of new interventions.