Needle-exchange plan still a prickly topic

THE controversial free needle exchange and condom distribution programme needs to be further explained to the public at large, particularly to those with strong opinions against the programme.
A day after last Thursday’s dialogue between the Government and 1,300 ulama, state mufti, religious officers and syariah judges, many of them remained sceptical of the programme which is scheduled to start in October.
Malaysian Harm Reduction Working Group convenor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, who attended the dialogue, said it was too ambitious to expect everyone to fully understand the issue from a half-day dialogue.
“Some of them already have fixed ideas on the issue, and were not convinced of the Government’s reasons for implementing the programme,” said Dr Adeeba, who is also the Head of Infectious Diseases of University Malaya Medical Centre.
“What we need is continuous education for the public at large, to explain why the Government has chosen to do this,” she added.
Malaysia currently has the fifth-fastest growing HIV infection rate in the Asia-Pacific. Three-quarters of reported HIV cases are intravenous drug users. In 2004, the Health Ministry estimated that 18.5 per cent of intravenous drug users were HIV positive.
The free needle/syringe-exchange programme is normally implemented when the HIV infection rate among intravenous drug users is on the rise, such as in Malaysia.
Under the programme, clean needles are given out to drug addicts in exchange for used ones.
This ensures that there is no re-using or re-selling of contaminated needles.
Proponents of the needle-exchange programme says it goes beyond exchanging used needles for clean ones.
It is also often the starting point for drug users to access information and services for treatment and rehabilitation.
Supporters of the programme also cautioned that the programme cannot stand alone. Instead, it must be supported by counselling services, primary healthcare facilities, referrals to rehabilitation and voluntary counselling and testing services.
One of the biggest challenges in implementing the needle-exchange programme is addressing its legality.
Under Section 37 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, it is illegal to carry injecting equipment without a prescription and possession of needles may result in up to two years’ imprisonment.
source