Abstract: A wealth of scientific evidence has shown that needle exchange programs (NEPs) are the most effective intervention available for the prevention of HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs). As well, NEPs have been associated with increased access to care and treatment and with substantial cost-savings. The concerns raised about NEPs have been shown to be unfounded. NEPs have not led increased levels of risk behaviour or drug use in places where they have been implemented.
Keywords: harm reduction; prison; needle distribution and exchange; prevention; HIV infection; treatment and maintenance; cost (economic); Canada