Review of injection drug use in six African countries:: Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania

Injection drug use ( IDU) is becoming an increasingly important mode of HIV transmission globally. The number of African countries experiencing IDU is reported to be growing. This is cause for concern as the phenomenon of IDU is arising within the context of an established and growing HIV epidemic. This article provides a concise review of the available literature pertaining to IDU within six African countries, namely Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania. The available information contradicts the prevailing view that IDU is extremely rare or non-existent in most African countries. IDU populations within the selected countries are shown to engage in high-risk sexual and injecting behaviours. IDUs in Africa have the potential to provide a significant contribution to the spread of HIV/AIDS on the continent.