Reducing the incidence of blood-borne infections (BBVs) continues to present a considerable public health challenge. Both internationally and in New Zealand, the high risk of transmission of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) among injecting drug users (IDUs) has led to the introduction of harm reduction measures, such as needle exchange programmes.

The Global State report is designed to be an advocacy and reference tool for a wide range of audiences, including international donor organisations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), organisations of people who use drugs, researchers and the media.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the multiple aspects of lives of New Zealand people living with HIV Aids, presenting findings from a study that covers health and treatments, service engagement, relationship to HIV community, sex and relationships, housing, employment, finances and discrimination.

The objectives of the Vulnerability Assessment Mapping were to: identify locations of support (VCT, health promotion and education etc) and HIV-risk behaviour; identify factors that increase personal and societal HIV vulnerability and to map mobility patterns.

There are nearly 20 million women living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, comprising half of the total number of people living with this virus. Like the women overseas, women living with HIV in Australia have diverse in their experiences, values, needs and expectations. This report surveys the diversity of the experiences of HIV positive women.