TORONTO – Harm-reduction programs that use clean needle exchanges and other measures to limit the spread of HIV infection among injection heroin users also can educate crack users about safer crack-smoking materials, according to a Canadian public health study presented at the 16th International AIDS Conference.
Although harm-reduction programs have been initiated in various countries for heroin addicts–with success in reducing the transmission of HIV–much less has been done for individuals who inject stimulants, said Lynne Leonard, Ph.D., of the University of Ottawa.
“We have to make sure that harm reduction applies to all injection drug users, not just heroin users,” she said at a press briefing.
Dr. Leonard presented the results of a harm-reduction program that was undertaken in Ottawa among 550 injection drug users who also used crack.
Their response to the program was “immediate, high, and sustained,” she reported, with 80% of the study population accessing the safe crack-smoking initiative after just 1 month of the program's operation; the participation rate was 87% after 12 months.
Ottawa has one of the highest rates of HIV and hepatitis B infection among injection drug users. In April, the city started an initiative that gave men and women access through the needle-exchange program to safer crack-smoking materials.
“Our initiative demonstrated a clear need. These resources were provided, and there was immediate and high use among the population we were aiming to reach,” she noted.
The controversial decision by the Ottawa Public Health Department to start such a program has significantly reduced a dangerous practice, Dr. Leonard added. “It was not an easy program to get approved, and it still doesn't sit well with the community.
“But needle-exchange programs should be maintained in our cities,” she said. “The evidence is very clear that this is what needs to happen.”