Development of social work in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and HCV in Central Asia

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to report on the findings of a pilot study of the prevalence and treatment of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Design/methodology/approach This study reports on study results based on two data collection methods: quantitative surveys and complimentary qualitative interviews. Findings The findings show that the role of social work in the region is crucial for establishing trust between non-governmental and civil society organizations and the state as exemplified by so-called “trust points” and “friendly cabinets.” Originality/value Firstly, this study provides an overview of injecting drug use and the prevalence statistics on infectious diseases. Following this, this study focuses on the treatment and prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS and HCV. Both areas are under-researched and address the gap in the literature on drug policy in Central Asia.