Young women who use injection and non-injection drugs are increasingly affected by HIV. This is due to age and gender-specific vulnerabilities to both injection and sexual transmission routes, however, these unique vulnerabilities are not well recognized by policy makers and service providers.
Young women who use drugs deserve the recognition and fulfillment of their human right to health – yet this right is consistently violated around the world. The HIV response must do more to ensure young women who use drugs have access to respectful health services, the protection of their sexual and reproductive rights, living environments free of violence and criminalization, and other essential human rights protections.
Ain’t I A Woman Recognising And Protecting The Rights Of Young Women Affected By HIV And Drug Use