NSEP
“Injecting drug users often have multiple risks such as sex work and drug use, and they often face incarceration for possession of drugs, which again increases their risk of contracting or transmitting HIV. Drug use is also highly stigmatised both within the general community and among health care workers, further marginalising people with drug dependence problems. This means that HIV interventions may not be available to them, or that they are unable or unwilling to access services for fear of recrimination.
HIV transmission through injecting drug use is best prevented by providing a comprehensive package of services in outreach to injecting drug users and their injecting or sex partners.
UNODC, WHO and UNAIDS recommend a comprehensive set of measures for people who use drugs that includes the needle and syringe exchange programme.”
The Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme was introduced in Malaysia in January 2006 by the Ministry of Health together with the Malaysian AIDS Council and its Partner Organisations. NSEP is effective in reducing the spread of HIV among injecting drug users and enables governmental and non-governmental organisations to reach out to drug users.
NSEPs are exchange programmes and not distribution centres for needles and syringes. NSEPs are often housed in drop-in centres where clients are able to rest, eat, bathe, wash their clothing and receive basic medical attention. There are strict rules enforced at these sites and no drugs are allowed on the premises.
Activities of NSEPs include:
- Exchanging used needles for sterile ones
- Safe disposal of used injecting material
- Reaching out and educating drug users about HIV/AIDS issues
- Providing drug users with referrals to rehablilitation, health and welfare agencies
- Encouraging safer sex through education and distribution of condoms
- Liaising with local agencies such as the Police and the AADK
The Malaysian AIDS Council currently operates NSEPs in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bharu, Penang, Kuantan, Jengka, Kota Bharu and Alor Setar.
The Malaysian AIDS Council and the Ministry of Health plan to continuously upscale the NSEP in coming years. In 2009, three additional NSEP sites will be set up in the States of Terengganu, Selangor and Johor.
Click here to download Needle Syringe Exchange Programme Standard Operating Policy & Guidelines
