Harm reduction is one of the three elements of harm minimisation - supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction.
- Supply reduction means using various strategies to disrupt the production and supply of illicit drugs. The strategies may include destruction of the crops from which many illicit drugs are produced and drug seizures
- Demand reduction means trying to prevent people from wanting to and taking illicit drugs. Approaches include abstinence based strategies and treatment to reduce drug use
- Harm reduction means reducing drug-related harm to individuals, their families and communities. It is a philosophy embedded in principles of public health and it does not stigmatise drug users. Harm reduction involves strategies such as outreach programs, peer education and needle and syringe programs ( NSPs)
Harm reduction does not condone licit or illicit drug use, but acknowledges that people will continue to use drugs and that assistance to minimise risks is needed.
Needle and Syringe Programs
NSPs are an important public health measure, and a key feature of Australia’s National Drug Strategy’s harm minimisation framework. Providing sterile injecting equipment plays a crucial
role in decreasing the level of equipment sharing and lowers the transmission of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C among injecting drug users.
NSPs provide a wide range of services including:
- provision of sterile injecting equipment,
- collecting and disposing of used equipment,
- providing education on reducing drug use,
- and referral to drug treatment, health care and counselling
How do we know NSPs work?
In Australia, the 2009 Return on Investment Report found that between 1990 and 2000 nearly $150 million (Australian dollars) had been invested in NSPs. This level of investment and return from NSPs over 10 years has resulted in:
- An estimated 25,00 cases of HIV being avoided
- an estimated 21,000 cases of hepatitis C being avoided
- an estimated saving of over 5,000 lives by 2010
- An investment of $150 million has resulted in an estimated return of between $2.4 and $7.7 billion
