Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP)

Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP)

             Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) are an important public health measure. Evidence clearly indicates that these programs have prevented people from sharing injecting equipment and have therefore prevented the spread of HIV and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs and to the wider community. According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2009) Australian Governments invested $243 million in NSPs between 2000 and 2009, with a return of estimated savings to the healthcare system of $1.28 billion in averted costs of HIV and hepatitis C treatment. Over this time period, NSP have resulted in the prevention of an estimated 32,050 cases of HIV and 96,667 cases of hepatitis C12.

Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) in Western Australia

Needle and syringe programs (NSP) have operated formally in Western Australia since 1987. The Poisons Act 1964 allows approved organisations to provide sterile injecting equipment to people who inject drugs. Any organisation that operates an NSP must meet be approved and meet specific requirements as stated in the Poisons Regulations 1965.

There are three main service models for NSP in Western Australia:

Needle and syringe exchange programs (NSEP)

NSEP are run by non-government organisations (WA Substance Users' Association and WA AIDS Council) and they supply free sterile needles and syringes conditional upon the return of used items. NSEP also provide education, health information and referral to drug treatment and medical services. NSEP currently account for around 56% of needles and syringes distributed in WA. In 2008, NSEP distributed over 2 million NS and consistently over the past 5 years have experienced a 97% return rate of used equipment.

Pharmacies

In WA there are approximately 500 pharmacies and the majority operate NSP. Pharmacies can retail a range of injecting equipment in pre-packaged products including Fitpacks® and Sterafits™. These products provide a safe disposal container for used needles and syringes. Pharmacies currently account for around 33% of needles and syringes distributed in WA, distributing over a 1 million needles and syringes in 2008.

Health-service based NSP

Health-service based NSP are run out of hospitals, community health centres and other related health services. They currently account for around 10% of needle and syringe distribution in WA. In 2008 they distributed over 300,000 needles and syringes. Some hospital services make needles and syringes available through vending machines.

Needle and Syringe Disposal and Community Safety

Community safety is a high priority for needle and syringe programs. Current harm reduction strategies and health policies encourage safe disposal of used needles and syringes by return to NSEP, disposal into special purpose needle and syringe disposal bins, or into domestic waste. The primary reason for managing used needles and syringes in this way is to protect the public from exposure to needles and syringes that may have otherwise been discarded in public places.