People who inject drugs are vulnerable to a wide range of viral and bacterial infections. These infections can result in high levels of illness and death. Public health surveillance of infectious diseases and the associated risk and protective behaviours among this group provides important information. This data is essential to understanding the extent of these infections, the risk factors for their acquisition and for monitoring the effectiveness of prevention measures.

This annual national report describes trends in the extent of infections and associated risks and behaviours among people who inject drugs in the UK to the end of 2015. Further information can be found in the set of data tables that accompany this report.