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Nobody wants to see needles in public spaces.
Communities often think that programs that give needles are the cause of needles in public spaces. No one wants needles lying in parks, on pavements or other public spaces. Understandably, they try to stop programs from operating in their area. Sometimes they succeed, and quickly discover that there are as many, if not more, needles than before.
Well-run harm reduction programs are not the problem, they are part of the solution. But they are only part of the solution. Can we make sure there are no needles in public spaces? Yes we can, here's how. |
This web resource is intended to address genuine community concerns, questions and knowledge gaps about harm reduction and specifically needle and syringe services. We offer factual, practical information and data and dispel many of the myths around harm reduction services and people who use drugs. We acknowledge that there are potential collateral risks in providing community based services to marginalised and unhoused people who use drugs. There are solutions, and everyone can help ensure we achieve our goal of safer, cleaner and integrated communities where people can thrive.
We hope to encourage people to think critically about the impact current drug policy, criminalisation and stigmatisation on the health and wellbeing of people and their communities.
The current focus [December 2023] is on Wynberg, in Cape Town, where there has been substantial opposition to the program.
Listen to the latest interviews here.
We hope to encourage people to think critically about the impact current drug policy, criminalisation and stigmatisation on the health and wellbeing of people and their communities.
The current focus [December 2023] is on Wynberg, in Cape Town, where there has been substantial opposition to the program.
Listen to the latest interviews here.
TB HIV Care is deeply committed to the health and well-being of all South Africans. Our approach is grounded in science, evidence, and data to ensure our services are effective, affordable, and address the needs of the community and national priorities.
Our compassion, both as individuals and as an institution, shapes how we deliver these interventions, guaranteeing their relevance and benefit to those who access our services. We recognize that when certain community members face stigma, exclusion, and higher rates of morbidity and mortality, it impacts the entire community.
Since 1929, TB HIV Care has been dedicated to working with people living with TB. Over time, services have expanded to support individuals living with or at risk of HIV. This includes people who use drugs (PWUD), people who inject drugs (PWID), and sex workers.
TB HIV Care delivers health services to the most vulnerable, marginalized, and criminalized individuals in our communities. We provide or assist people to access the essential health, treatment, prevention, and harm reduction services that not only improve their lives but also contribute positively to the overall health and well-being of the entire community.
Our compassion, both as individuals and as an institution, shapes how we deliver these interventions, guaranteeing their relevance and benefit to those who access our services. We recognize that when certain community members face stigma, exclusion, and higher rates of morbidity and mortality, it impacts the entire community.
Since 1929, TB HIV Care has been dedicated to working with people living with TB. Over time, services have expanded to support individuals living with or at risk of HIV. This includes people who use drugs (PWUD), people who inject drugs (PWID), and sex workers.
TB HIV Care delivers health services to the most vulnerable, marginalized, and criminalized individuals in our communities. We provide or assist people to access the essential health, treatment, prevention, and harm reduction services that not only improve their lives but also contribute positively to the overall health and well-being of the entire community.
Services based on Science & COMPASSION
Needle & Syringe Services
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The intervention that receives the most criticism from often well-meaning people is the syringe services programme. As an organisation we understand the concerns of the community and have evaluated the options and evidence carefully, and like many international and local experts we have concluded that we have an obligation to provide needle and syringe services to people who inject drugs. It is the scientific and compassionate choice to make in an environment where people who inject drugs are criminalised, marginalised, vunerable to HIV and other diseases, and are unable to, or prevented from, accessing appropriate services.
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Providing sterile injecting equipment and having safe and clean communities are not mutually exclusive. Both can be achieved through collaboration, conversation and pragmatic responses.
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Health-E News talks to the Step Up Project in Pretoria about their HIV prevention services for people who inject drugs. Read more by clicking on the Health-E News logo:
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STERILE INJECTING EQUIPMENT FOR people who inject drugs?
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Listen to why it is essential to provide people who inject drugs with sterile injecting equipment. Click on the 702 link
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Reports on TB HIV Care Consultations
Consultations with pWUD
Injecting equipment |
Human Rights
consulting law enforcement |
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