Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Farah Houdroge, Mathematical Modeller, Burnet Institute

INSANE: Prison needle programs could save double what they cost our new modelling shows how - The Real Truth

ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

Needle and syringe programs are a proven public health intervention that provide free, sterile injecting equipment to people who use drugs. By reducing needle sharing, these programs help prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis C and HIV and minimise life-threatening bacterial infections.

Australia leads the world in community-based needle and syringe programs. But they are not used in Australian prisons – which are hotspots for injection-related infections.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.