Dalgarno Institute Research Report
This paper examines the evidence that HIV and HCV transmission is impacted by harm reduction (HR) policies and to evaluate the benefit to drug users and the community from these policies.
18 Jun 2014Abstract
This paper examines the evidence that HIV and HCV transmission is impacted by harm reduction (HR) policies and to evaluate the benefit to drug users and the community from these policies. Surveys show that HIV is primarily transmitted through unsafe sexual activity, while HCV was almost exclusively transmitted by unsafe drug injecting. The reviews of the studies in NSPs and HCV and HIV showed there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate any benefit of NSPs in the transmission of HCV or HIV. Prevention should target those at risk of acquiring the viruses and should involve providing education, risk reduction counselling, HIV and HCV screening and substance abuse treatment. For HCV counselling should be focused on drug treatment, while for HIV the focus of prevention should be on screening and education of safe sex practices. In both cases those found to have viral infections need to be counselled to reduce the risk of HIV and HCV transmission to others. They should also be offered counselling on treatment, safe sex and drug use practises reducing alcohol usage and other STDs.
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