HIV infection among intravenous drug users in Iceland has increased. During 2009, five drug users were diagnosed with HIV, up from none the year before.

Drug users accounted for 40 percent of the new HIV cases diagnosed in Iceland during 2009.

Despite the disappointing figures, a press release from health authorities says that Iceland provides good access to syringes and clean needles – including at pharmacies, where they are available for a small token charge. There is also a programme underway to educate drug users on how to avoid HIV infection from sharing needles.