Syringe exchange schemes and safer use education among i.v. drug users in Germany.
Int Conf AIDS 1992 Jul 19-24; 8:We59 (abstract no. WeD 1076) Michels II; Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe, Berlin.
ISSUE/PROBLEM: In spite of high knowledge about the ways of transmission (needle sharing; drug sharing; unsafe sex) structural obstacles hinder the realisation of AIDS preventive messages among IVDU in Germany (non availability of sterile syringes; criminalization of drug consumation; social and health misery; missing sexual education counselling; high threshold methadone treatment). Illustrating several projects (i.e. Hamburg, Berlin, Bremen) it will be shown how acceptance-orientated HIV-prevention can function and which are the contradictions to work with. Presentation will be based on the projects and data from a sociological study about AIDS prevention among i.v. drug users in Germany. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTS: 1. syringe distribution project in Bremen (exchange, distribution, vending machines) 2. drug emergency help, reanimation, treatment of wounds, HIV testing, AIDS treatment in a low threshold contact centre in Hamburg 3. safer use education in a low threshold detoxification unit.
RESULTS: low threshold acceptance-orientated services of HIV-prevention among i.v. drug users have need of an innovative strategy of harm reduction, require a high level of professionalism and an encouraging social and political surrounding. LESSONS LEARNED: Within the legal limits even of repressive legislation productive means of HIV prevention among i.v. drug users can be developed.
