Mental health promotion for the widows of injecting drug users in north-east India

The prevalence of HIV is high in the north-east Indian states of Manipur and Nagaland. The major route of HIV transmission is injecting drug use. Most injecting drug users (IDUs) are male and about 40% are married. The widows of IDUs are among the most disadvantaged people. Many are HIV-infected and experiencing poverty, poor health, social isolation and discrimination, all factors likely to compromise their mental health. Some widows are engaging in HIV risk behaviours, including alcohol and drug misuse, sex work and unprotected sex. There is increasing recognition of the links between poverty and mental health status and risk of HIV infection. People with poor mental health are more likely to engage in HIV risk behaviours.