What Makes Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs Effective in Preventing HIV Transmission?
Safe and certain access to sterile syringes is widely regarded as among the most effective methods for preventing the spread of HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses among injection drug users (IDUs) who are unwilling or unable to stop using drugs. In the absence of a national policy on this issue, state and local governments have been left to decide whether and how to provide access. This situation has resulted in a wide range of conditions under which IDUs might acquire sterile syringes. In many states, access is provided through syringe exchange programs (SEPs). However, the level of access provided through SEPs can be limited due to a program’s scope and geographical location as well as other obstacles, including laws and regulations that prohibit IDUs from possessing syringes, limit the number of syringes provided through SEPs, or forbid the purchase of syringes through pharmacies. A new study led by DPRC researcher Ricky N. Bluthenthal compared SEPs in three U.S. cities to examine ho
