Wait-and-see reaction to needle scheme

Press, 13 May 1988, Page 4

Wait-and-see reaction to needle scheme

The Department of Health’s controversial needle and syringe exchange scheme to combat the spread of A.I.D.S. among intravenous drug users begins on Monday. In spite of reports of low numbers of chemists and medical practitioners becoming involved in some areas, the professional reaction from Christchurch has been “good,” according to the scheme’s departmental organiser, Mrs Lorraine Kerse.

“From Monday every area will have an outlet to allow drug users to return used needles and syringes and buy new sets,” she said.

The low numbers in some areas represented a wait-and-see reaction to the programme.

“The initial response is to be expected. It has been the pattern overseas. Once the scheme is under way, more chemists and practitioners will become willing to take part,” said Mrs Kerse.

Initially the number of returned needles and syringes will not be equal to the number sold until a shortage of sets in the drug-using community’ is met.

“Again, if the overseas pattern is repeated, returns may well exceed sales after a few months,” said Mrs Kerse. Returned needles and syringes will be stored in specially designed containers before being destroyed by supervised incineration.

The addresses of the selected outlets will be

available through recorded telephone messages. Phone numbers will be widely publicised in magazines, including the “Listener,” and the scheme advertised • in cinemas. Contact numbers will also be available through the Citizens Advice Bureau, the New Zealand A.I.D.S. Foundation and local health offices.

The new programme is designed to prevent the spread of the A.I.D.S. virus among drug users and reduce the possibility of the disease being passed into the wider community. It will also provide educational material including a message for safer sex for drug users and directions to counselling services.