Tuesday, July 27, 2010
An article in April 2010 issue of Public Health Epidemiology Bulletin (HK Dept of Health) describes the impact of methadone maintenance in preventing an HIV epidemic among drug users. The experience is summed up as follows: "In contrast with the experience in other countries [in Asia], it is undoubtedly exceptional that HIV has not succeeded in taking root in the drug using community in HK. The Methadone Treatment Program [MTP] not only remains the major treatment response and safety net to drug problems in HK but its presence before HIV emerged has conceivably protected HK from an HIV epidemic among drug users." the article ends on a cautionary note, however: "It is of critical importance that HK should not become complacent ... With its serving a huge number of more than8,000 active clients, the pivotal role of MTP is expected to continue in the foreseeable future."