It is an ongoing activity. Global Organisation for Life Development (GOLD) has been currently working with around 600 Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) who are registered in the Drop-in-Centre (DIC, GOLD). Since 2006, GOLD has been working for the IDU population and it has been observed that most of them suffer from HIV, Hepatitis B & C and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The Hepatitis B & C treatments are very costly and the vulnerable population especially those who practice high risk behaviour are generally from poor economic background. Therefore it becomes risky for them to afford this costly treatment.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has launched the “National Viral Hepatitis Control Program” (NVHCP) on the occasion of the World Hepatitis Day, i.e. on 28th July, 2018.
Treatment has been provided to them and most of them have got relieved from the symptoms with overall improvement of their health. The organisation has planned to continue this noble activity until all the Injecting Drug Users of the region are tested and provided with subsequent treatment.