The Press Wednesday, January 15, 1986. Pandering... (Press, 15 January 1986)

On 15 January 1986, a report in The Press discussed the Health Department's consideration of making needles and syringes more accessible to drug addicts as part of its campaign to combat the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This initiative stems from the understanding that drug addicts frequently share contaminated needles, which significantly contributes to the transmission of AIDS, ranking second only to transmission through homosexual acts. The Health Department's advisory committee on AIDS supports this proposal, suggesting that easy access to clean needles could mitigate needle-sharing among users. Despite substantial financial investments in public health campaigns aimed at educating at-risk populations, there is growing controversy over whether the government should assist drug addicts in illegal activities, essentially enabling their decline. The department acknowledges the legal implications of this strategy and seeks clarification on current laws restricting possession of needles for illicit drug use, with discussions about potential legal amendments underway. However, critics question the efficacy of such a programme. Evidence from similar initiatives in Britain suggests that they have not only failed to reduce AIDS transmission but may have exacerbated the drug issue, despite some unrelated contributing factors. Many argue that the principle of enabling drug use is flawed, especially given the dangers associated with contaminated illegal drugs. Some proponents of this strategy may need to consider supplying officially sanctioned pure drugs, which raises further ethical concerns about public health and morality. In New Zealand, strict measures in place—such as controlled blood transfusions—have resulted in a low risk of AIDS exposure for the general population, which consists primarily of identifiable at-risk groups. It is suggested that these individuals should already be aware of how to protect themselves from the disease. Dr John Holden from the Health Department has stated that the department does not wish to be perceived as promoting drug abuse or illegality. Critics contend that providing needles to drug addicts is a clear indication of such encouragement and argue against the government's potential role in facilitating illegal drug use.

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