Keep in touch
Subscribe to TB HIV Care’s newsletter
Harm reduction refers to practical strategies that reduce the harms associated with risky behaviour, for example, unprotected sex or drug use. Harm reduction includes the distribution of condoms and lubes, but also sterile needles and injecting equipment to reduce the harms associated with injecting drug use (including HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne infections, abscesses and sores). Harm reduction services are recommended by the World Health Organization and are an important part of South Africa’s National Strategic Plan 2023-2028 to end HIV, TB and STIs.
Not only does harm reduction reduce the harms associated with drug use (including the onward transmission of HIV and hepatitis), but it also offers an evidence-based, alternative, non-punitive, non-judgemental and health and human rights response to addiction.
Harm reduction is part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, and has been proven to reduce injury, disease and overdose. By offering needle and syringe services and opioid substitution therapy (OST) to people who inject drugs (PWID), TB HIV Care is also able to ensure that PWID have access to other services, including mobile health services, overdose education and psychosocial services.
Some examples of harm reduction include:
A needle and syringe programme (NSP) is a service that gives people who inject drugs (PWID) clean needles and syringes to reduce the harms associated with used or blunt needles – and to discourage sharing of needles. It is an important part of harm reduction.
Safe collection and disposal of used needles is critical to any needle and syringe programme. TB HIV Care educates and trains service beneficiaries on the correct disposal of needles, works with peers to collect needles, prioritises regular clean-ups (especially in ‘hot spots’) and has a hotline number to report any needles spotted in the community: 079 589 8834
In theory, it is possible, but in reality, there have been no reports of HIV being contracted from discarded needles anywhere in the world. Infections that result from needles are usually in medical settings or through the sharing of injecting equipment. While it is unpleasant (and unacceptable) to have these syringes inappropriately disposed of in the community, the risk is of contracting HIV from a discarded needle is almost zero. Anyone who does step on a needle should to consult with a health professional for further advice
Don’t panic. The risk of contracting HIV in this situation is very low. This is because these injuries are usually superficial, and the HIV virus doesn’t live long once outside of the human body (i.e., exposed to the environment). Wash the affected area with soapy water, apply an antiseptic and cover the area with a plaster. Call your doctor or visit the local clinic to get further advice and post-exposure prophylaxis. Also, ask about a tetanus shot.