Needle-exchange programs: a prickly debate.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Needle-exchange programs: a prickly debate.

AIDS Policy Law. 1997 Jun 13;12(11):6-8. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97702677
Kim B; Clearinghouse, AIDS Newsletter Database, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD; 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5714. A fee will apply.; Statistical Assessment Service, Washington, DC.

Abstract: The proportion of new HIV cases among intravenous drug users is increasing steadily. One proposed solution is a federally funded and coordinated needle-exchange program (NEP). Recent developments in the needle-exchange debate highlight the difficulties in answering questions about NEP's effectiveness and appropriateness. Often needle-exchange studies are complicated by political issues, politicians who were thought to be sympathetic to advocates of needle-exchange find NEP's too controversial or risky to support. There is a lack of tangible evidence of NEPs' effectiveness and legal, ethical, and logistical restrictions preclude the type of studies that would yield definitive conclusions. For Federal funds to be expended, there must be proof that NEPs both reduce transmission of HIV and do not lead to increased drug use. Differences in basic approach and moral perspective can yield opposite conclusions from the same study.

Keywords: *HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Needle-Exchange Programs
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M97A1304

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