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Prevention

Access to Sterile Syringes

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This information sheet discusses the necessity for injecting drug users (IDUs), who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, to have access to sterile syringes in order to prevent the spread of HIV. The sheet explains that (1) the method used to prepare and inject drugs offers many opportunities for the spread of HIV and hepatitis viruses, (2) IDUs do not generally have access to sterile syrnges because most states have laws that restrict the sale and distribution of sterile syringes, and (3) safe disposal of used syringes is also a concern.

Policy Efforts to Increase IDUs' Access to Sterile Syringes

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This information sheet explains that in order to reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections, injecting drug users (IDUs), who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, must have access to sterile syringes and injection equipment. However, many laws and regulations prohibit IDUs from purchasing these items. Some states have changed these laws and regulations and have seen positive results.

Pharmacy Sales of Sterile Syringes

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This information sheet discusses the role of pharmacies in efforts to help injecting drug users (IDUs) gain access to sterile syringes and equipment in order to reduce their risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other blood-borne diseases.The information sheet lists advantages of pharmacy sales, the barriers to pharmacy sales, the changes that some states have made to legalize pharmacy sales, and suggestions for encouraging more pharmacy sales of syringes to IDUs who will not or cannot stop injecting drugs.

Syringe Exchange Programs

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This information sheet supports the use of syringe exchange programs (SEPs) for injecting drug users, who will not or cannot stop injecting drugs, as one method of lowering the risk of IDUs acquiring or transmitting HIV. SEPs allow IDUs to safely dispose of used syringes and obtain sterile ones at no cost and offer prevention and health care education and services. The information sheet discusses the public health impact of SEPs and considers the challenges for SEPs and ways of supporting access to sterile syringes through SEPs.

Syringe Disposal

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This information sheet discusses the problem of safe disposal of used syringes by diabetics as well as injecting drug users (IDUs) to prevent needlestick injuries and transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. The information sheet explains the public concern with syringe disposal, presents safe disposal methods that have been used in some communities, and notes that barriers to syringe disposal programs include laws that establish criminal penalties for distribution and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Syphilis Elimination Communication Plan

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This document lays out the communications goal, objectives, target audiences, and key strategies and tactics to support the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis from the United States. It is based on a review of the literature on syphilis prevention and elimination; media coverage of the syphilis elimination program launch; key informant interviews; and meetings with CDC's communications staff from the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP), Office of the Director (OD), Division of STD Prevention (DSTD), and meetings of the DSTD Health Communications Working Group.

Paediatric HIV Infection and AIDS

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This report examines how children become infected with HIV, how infection can be prevented in children, and ways of reducing the impact of HIV. The report discusses statistics and data concerning pediatric HIV/AIDS, transmission; prevention, including health education and prevention of HIV in women of childbearing age and of unintended pregnancies in HIV-positive women and women at risk; and treatment.

National Hepatitis C Prevention Strategy

Submitted by NPIN admin in on

This comprehensive plan for health care professionals and policy makers addresses the prevention and control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its consequences. This strategy strives to protect the public's health by outlining guidelines for prevention and control of HCV infection, providing credible information on hepatitis C to enhance healthy decisions and promoting healthy living through strong partnerships with national, state, and local organizations in both the public and private sectors.