Needle and Syringes Programme

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The needle and syringe programme (NSP) is the programme that supplies needle and syringe and also other equipment used to prepare and illegal drug. This programme is run by pharmacies and drug services. World Health Organization (2007) stated that the purpose of this programme is to reduce the transmission of blood- borne viruses and other infections that caused by sharing injecting equipment. The work of NSPs has focused on HIV prevention and also rising HIV-prevalence among clients in many locations. This has resulted in producing HIV care and support programmes and antiretroviral treatment programmes which these programmes are critically important. The care and support programmes can be included as medical and nursing care which are the treating and preventing opportunistic infections that including tuberculosis, managing HIV-related illnesses, antiretroviral therapy and psychological support and community involvement (Ball & Crofts, 2003; Lamptey & Gayle, 2003).
For HIV-positive injecting drug users, a wide range of services may be needed. These include access to drug treatment, education and advice about interactions between injected drugs, antiretroviral medicines and treatments for opportunistic infection (Burrows, 2000; HIV/AIDS treatment and care for injecting drug users, 2006). This tough requirement has caused some to reason, incorrectly, that injecting drug users are poor candidates for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Harm reduction approaches are highly effective for injecting drug users in supporting prevention, treatment and care. Appropriate support, provided by broadminded health-care workers and delivered through community-based programmes and outreach strategies, has proven effective. Comprehensive harm reduction...

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...arded needles, so it can generate a great deal of goodwill and local support.

Works Cited

Ball, A., & Crofts, N. (2003). HIV risk reduction in injecting drug users. Arlington: Family Health International.

Burrow, D. (2000). Starting and managing needle and syringe programe. Sydney, Australia: International Harm Reduction Development.

D. Burrows. (2000). Treatment, care and support of injecting drug users living with HIV/AIDS. Sans Frontieres: Kiev.

HIV/AIDS treatment and care for injecting drug users. (2006). Retrieved from WHO European: http://www.euro.who.int/document/SHA/WHO_Chapter_5_web.pdf

Lamptey, P. R., & Gayle, H. (Eds). (2003). HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care in Resource- Constrained Settings. Arlington: Family Health International.

World Health Organization. (2007). Guide to starting and managing needle and syringe programme. Switzerland: WHO Press.

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