Back to: HIV Stigma Workshop Kit
While HIV is the focus of the kit’s contents and often receives more attention in general, some people including PWUD are also at heightened risk for a wide range of other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). These infections don’t occur in isolation, but rather they interact with substance use patterns, health inequities, and systemic barriers to care. Understanding the broader context is essential, because the health outcomes of STBBIs are shaped not only by the infections themselves but also by the overlapping social, structural, and health factors that people who use drugs experience.
Other Blood Borne Infection (BBI)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
A viral infection that primarily spreads through blood-to-blood contact, especially sharing drug-use equipment. It can cause chronic liver disease, but highly effective treatments can cure it. No vaccine exists.
Hepatitis C Basics (CATIE)
Hepatitis C: An In-Depth Guide (CATIE) – Features a section on safer substance use and hepatitis C prevention
Elimination Blueprint (Action Hepatitis Canada)
Hepatitis B (HBV)
A viral infection that attacks the liver, spread through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child at birth. It can cause lifelong infection, liver damage, or cancer. A safe and effective vaccine is available.
Hepatitis B Basics (CATIE)
Hepatitis B in Canada: Current landscape and future directions (CATIE)
The management of chronic hepatitis B (Canadian Liver Journal)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Syphilis
A bacterial STI spread through sexual contact or from mother to child during pregnancy. It can cause serious long-term complications if untreated but is curable with antibiotics.
Syphilis Fundamentals (CATIE)
Gonorrhea
A bacterial STI that often causes few symptoms but can damage reproductive health. Spread through sexual contact and curable with antibiotics, though drug resistance is a growing problem.
What you need to know about gonorrhea (CATIE)
Chlamydia
A common bacterial STI that may not cause symptoms but can lead to infertility if untreated. Spread through sexual contact and curable with antibiotics.
What you need to know about chlamydia (CATIE)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
A very common viral STI spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. Most infections go away on their own, but some cause genital warts or cancer. Vaccination prevents the most harmful strains.
What you need to know about human papillomavirus (CATIE)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
A viral infection spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. It causes recurrent sores or blisters and increases HIV risk. There is no cure, but antiviral medications manage outbreaks and reduce transmission.
What you need to know about genital herpes (CATIE)
EXPLORE MORE
PAN has created a summary sheet that outlines general characteristics and key points along the continuum of care of other BBI and STIs beyond HIV. CLICK “DOWNLOAD” at the bottom to get this resource.