Needle-exchange Cushion Against A.I.D.S. (Press, 12 February 1988)

A news article by Garry Arthur, published on 12 February 1988, discusses the shifting perception of the primary spreaders of A.I.D.S. (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in New Zealand. Contrary to the common belief that gay and bisexual men are the main carriers, recent medical surveys suggest that intravenous drug users, particularly heroin addicts, pose a far greater risk of transmitting the disease to the wider non-gay community. The sharing of needles among drug users facilitates the spread of the A.I.D.S. virus through the exchange of blood. To combat this potential public health crisis, the New Zealand government has introduced a needle-exchange programme under the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act, which took effect on February 1, 1988. This initiative allows pharmacists and other participants to sell needle and syringe packs to intravenous drug users, with the option to exchange used equipment for new supplies. The scheme is set to commence around April 1, and it aims to reduce A.I.D.S. transmission by making clean needles readily available. The programme has been developed with input from the New Zealand I.V. League, a voluntary group founded in response to the A.I.D.S. epidemic. The chairperson, Gary McGrath, and south island coordinator, Rodger Wright, have invested significant personal resources and efforts to address this health issue. They argue that the availability of clean needles will prevent users from sharing equipment, which numerous studies in other countries have shown to exacerbate the spread of A.I.D.S. Rodger Wright highlights that the sharing of needles is often driven by necessity rather than a choice, as drug users face acute shortages of sterile equipment. He points out that education alone has proven ineffective in deterring the practice of sharing needles, noting the high rates of hepatitis B infection among intravenous drug users. Wright stresses that while some may fear that increased access to needles could encourage drug use, this concern is misplaced. Evidence from places like Canada and Amsterdam suggests that needle availability has not led to higher rates of addiction. Instead, the New Zealand programme will include informational content about A.I.D.S. and safe practices, as well as a condom, linking the need for safe drug use and safe sex. There are also pressing issues regarding the spread of A.I.D.S. among prisoners, as Wright advocates for the introduction of methadone programmes, sterile syringes, and condoms in prisons, recognising that drug use and unsafe practices continue in those facilities. Wright believes that societal stigma against intravenous drug users must change, arguing for a paradigm shift in perception, from condemnation to acceptance. He suggests that understanding and addressing the self-esteem issues faced by these individuals will lead to better health outcomes and reduce transmission rates. He estimates that approximately 30,000 New Zealanders have been intravenous drug users at some point, and the focus should shift to preventing the spread of A.I.D.S. within this population and to their partners and children.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand