Research

Epidemiology of HIV Antiretroviral Exposure from WHOONGA Use in South Africa

Agency: NIH/NIDA

Agency Award Number: R21 DA039857

Some people are exposed to HIV antiretroviral medication through recreational use. This emerging phenomenon poses a significant obstacle to efforts to address the global HIV pandemic. Any antiretroviral exposure from recreational use may increase rates of antiretroviral-resistant HIV strains. This and any diversion of antiretroviral medication for recreational use will increase the cost of delivering this life-saving care. The proposed research will document antiretroviral exposure from the use of whoonga, a drug cocktail in South Africa that may contain antiretroviral medication and illicit drugs. It will also inform future research to link recreational antiretroviral use to antiretroviral resistance among HIV-infected individuals who have yet to initiate HIV treatment, as well as promote the design of culturally appropriate interventions.