Menahra

Qatar

Qatar is a small high-income country. Immigrants constitute a considerable proportion of the population. There is no significant information available regarding the nature and extent of drug use in the country. No information was found about HIV prevalence or risk behaviors among drug users in last decade.

In Qatar, HIV prevalence is low in the general population (Qatar SCH, et al., 2012). The country considers unsafe heterosexual sex abroad as the main route of HIV transmission. From identified HIV positive cases in the last two years, none were injecting drug users (Qatar SCH, et al., 2012). It is unclear whether an active HIV surveillance mechanism for PWIDs or for prison inmates exists in the country.

Qatar has no specific strategic plan for HIV/AIDS, but the National Health Strategy 2011 to 2016 includes HIV (Qatar SCH, et al., 2012). The main approach has been extensive HIV testing in the population. The vast majority of the population has been tested for HIV at least once in the past few years. HIV treatment and care is also provided. The country reports that all Qataris and non-Qataris in need are receiving ART (Qatar SCH, et al., 2012). However, the HIV strategy has not identified PWIDs as a target group for HIV prevention. An active plan does not exist for HIV prevention in other at risk groups. NGOs are not working on this issue in the country. At risk populations are not yet identified and studied.