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About Proyecto El Cuete
El cuete (the rocket) is a popular reference to the hypodermic needles used for illicit drug injection. This practice, along with unprotected sex, has brought Tijuana to a near-epidemic level of HIV infection (read about the full investigation here). A binational collaboration has been orchestrated to combat this problem amongst injection drug users. On the US side of the border, UCSD researchers are investigating the transmission patterns of the virus, and how human behavior is affecting it. The research component is funded by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (grant # DA019829; Principal Investigator Dr Steffanie Strathdee). Within Tijuana, several Mexican public heath agencies have partnered with UCSD to distribute information, clean needles, condoms, food, and other health necessities. These agencies do not receive funding from the NIDA grant, and must rely on private contributions to continue serving the border region. Please see the How to Help page for ways that you can contribute.
Partners
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