Table 32: Needles distribution from 2016 to 2018
Year
2016
2017
2018
Needles
697,861
755,781
784,000
Source: Ministry of Health and Quality of Life
200. It is worth noting that thanks to the different harm reduction measures being implemented,
the prevalence of HIV among PWIDS has gone down from 45% to 32%. Moreover, the country is
aiming towards elimination of Mother to child transmission of HIV.
201. In view of the increasing trend of synthetic drug use among youth, a dedicated centre in
Long Mountain Hospital for adolescent and youth was set up in August 2018 to provide
detoxification and rehabilitation.
202. An evidence based prevention programme has also been initiated for the intention of students
in secondary schools. The Government will extend the Drug Use Prevention Programme to all
secondary schools. A dedicated centre set up at Cassis, Bouloux in 2017, has greatly facilitated the
induction of female injecting drug users onto Methadone.
203. A detoxification programme based on Suboxone followed by Naltrexone
has been introduced in Mauritius since January 2016. Same is being conducted on a residential
care basis at Mahebourg Hospital. The programme also includes psychological support services
which is being implemented in close collaboration with referral NGOs and staff of the
Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. As at date around 646 injecting drug
users have undergone the detoxification programme.
204. A Drug Addiction Unit has been set up in each health regional since September 2016 and
is operational under the direct supervision of psychiatrists of the regions for treatment counselling
and referral services.
205. It is estimated that around 9,000 people are living with Hepatitis C at present. Out of which,
approximately 90% are from people who inject drugs. Among a total of 7,520 HIV positive persons
detected from 1987 to March 2019, 3,000 have been found to be co-infected with Hepatitis C.
206. The HIV and AIDS Act enacted in 2006 and proclaimed in 2007, provides for a rights-based
approach to HIV and AIDS-related issues. This Act aims to protect the rights of those people
101