Needle-Syringe Programs (NSPs)

Needle-Syringe Programs (NSPs) are health services that provide sterile needles and syringes to people who inject drugs. The goal is to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis by preventing the reuse and sharing of contaminated equipment. NSPs often offer additional support such as education, testing, and referral to treatment. They serve as a harm reduction measure, encouraging safer practices without judging or penalizing users, and aim to improve public health outcomes by minimizing the health risks associated with drug injection.