Population estimation and harm reduction among people who inject drugs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Injecting drug use is known to contribute significantly to the spread of the HIV epidemic in many parts of the developing world. Due to the hidden nature and stigma of the problem, it is difficult to study using routine surveys. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the number of people who inject drugs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to describe the epidemiological and social situation related to HIV among people who inject drugs. Methods The study used rapid assessment methods, followed by combined methods of estimating populations, using nomination and multiplier methods. The combined methods used two datasets: the first includes the proportion of people who use services within a year as a multiplier, and the second, a count of the list of people with a problem who used the specific service within a year as a benchmark. The rapid assessment incorporated different qualitative tools to elicit information related to injectable drugs, using existing data sources, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Results The study estimated a total of 4068; with 95% CI (3196, 5207) people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Addis Ababa. The study found people who inject drugs were young in age, male, with a lower educational status, unmarried, and living in small clerical business. People who inject drugs and participated in the study were more likely to use additional substances like alcohol, khat, and cannabis. The most common form of injectable drug used was heroin, and most of the people who inject drugs reported sharing syringes and needles. A high proportion of study subjects also disclosed having positive test results for HIV, hepatitis B, and C. Conclusion The population size of people who inject drugs in Addis Ababa is high. Lack of service in harm reduction in the city has made PWIDs vulnerable and at higher risk for HIV/AIDs and hepatitis B and C. Therefore, responsible bodies must start implementing the essential harm reduction strategies given by the World Health Organization.

Estimation of the Magnitude of People Who Inject Drugs in Hawassa, Ethiopia: A Descriptive Study

“…These ndings are consistent with the Addis Abeba research [27]. It may be attributed to the fact that young individuals are prone to risk-taking behaviors.…”

“…According to the survey, Hawassa has 688 (95 percent CI; 502, 991) persons who inject drugs. The estimate, with a prevalence of 266 per 100,000 people, the estimate providing is greater than the estimate given in Addis Abeba, which had a prevalence of 87 per 100,000 population [27]. However, both studies were undertaken simultaneously and are the rst in Ethiopia.…”

“…The difference lies in the estimate of the multiplier. Furthermore, the 95% CI of the multiplier was produced by calculating the 95 percent con dence level and considering the entire sample's multiplier [27].…”

“…The study was carried out in two Ethiopian cities Addis Ababa [27] and Hawassa. According to the 2007 census, and projected to 2017, Ethiopia has a total population of 103.8 million.…”

Why money laundering is nurtured in Ethiopia?

“…The African Regional Hemp and Cannabis Report of 2019 estimated that Ethiopia has a cannabis potential market of US$9.8bn (Brook, 2019). In addition, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin are either trafficked or consumed in Ethiopia [Deyessa et al , 2020; United Nations Office on Druga and Crime (UNODC), 2020]. Moreover, officials of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission stated that “Ethiopia is used as a transit point for drug trafficking, notably cocaine originating from Latin America and Heroin from Asia.” The combination of convenient and affordable air service of Ethiopian Airlines, limited police capacity to combat narco-trafficking and minimum period of conviction for drug traffickers have led many traffickers to use Addis Ababa as a transit point.…”