As the global response to the HIV epidemic has developed it's clear that a combination of targetted prevention programming is needed to stabilise and reduce the number of new infections.
Harm reduction has gained more traction with policy- and programme makers in recent years, but coverage where it's most needed is severely lacking.
In this section, we discuss some of the the main harm reduction initiatives including opioid substitution therapy and needle and syringe programmes, and what the future holds.
Last full review:
05 April 2019
Harm reduction initiatives such as opioid substitution therapy reduce the risk of HIV among people who inject drugs.
Opioid subsitution therapy programmes are delivered in a number of ways including primary care, specialist clinics, pharmacies and 'take home' OST.
Needle and syringe programmes are delivered in a number of ways including fixed sites, vending machines and at pharmacies.
