Pubdate: Tue, 29 Jan 2013
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Dr. Thomas Kerr
Page: A3

NEEDLE FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

Editor, the Times:

As a scientist, it was disturbing to read that the ongoing discussions
regarding needle exchange in Abbotsford arrived at a simple difference
of opinion regarding the benefits and shortcomings of these programs.

The reality is that needle exchanges have been rigorously studied, and
there now exists a large body of scientific facts concerning these
programs.

The evidence consistently shows that, contrary to the opinions of Tim
Williams of Life Recovery, needle exchanges reduce HIV risk behaviour
and do not encourage drug use.

The evidence is so strong that the World Health Organization and the
United Nations have issued guidance documents calling on countries to
implement needle exchanges as part of an essential package of programs
needed to control the spread of HIV among individuals who inject drugs.

Countless high profile medical bodies, including the US Institute of
Medicine have issued similar consensus statements.

Fortunately, the province of British Columbia has followed the
evidence and also called for the implementation of needle exchanges.

We recently showed in a paper published in the American Journal of
Public Health that the expansion of needle exchange in Vancouver
resulted in large declines in HIV risk behaviour and infection.
Interestingly, this period coincided with substantial declines in
injection drug use in the city.

Given the serious threat to individual and community health posed by
HIV infection, it is time to separate scientific fact from opinion.

Dr. Thomas Kerr

UBC Department of Medicine
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MAP posted-by: Matt