ASA member, Sheryl McCurdy is featured in a startling New York Times article regarding the use of heroin in Africa. Her study focuses on heroin addicts in Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Mombasa, particularly women, who are sharing their blood in order to get high or to lessen the effects of withdrawal.

The implications for a practice such as this are tremendous, given the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout Africa. Oftentimes women sex workers who are too old or sick to find customers will share their blood as an act of kindness to other sex workers, to lessen the pain that accompanies withdrawal symptoms.

The ASA is intrigued by McCurdy's research, and proud to have such a distinguished academic as a member.

More on the article can be found at www.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/health/13blood.html?_r=1&ref=africa.