Syringe programs save money

[Michaelangelica]

Syringe programs save money (Science Alert)

A/Professor Wilson said: “After more than two decades of successful operation, NSPs remain a cornerstone of Australia’s HIV prevention strategy and a primary reason why we have largely contained the epidemic in this country.

 

“Additionally, Australia’s NSPs have proven to be a foundation for preventing transmission of the more infectious hepatitis C virus.

 

“This study provides strong evidence to suggest that increased spending should be invested in expanding NSPs. Not only would it significantly reduce health burdens but it will ultimately save Australian taxpayers substantial amounts of money,” he said.

 

From 2000 to 2009, needle and syringe programs cost a total of $243 million. The national NSP costs are made up of nearly 1,000 sites around the country, including outlets, clinics, pharmacies and vending machines, which distribute sterile injecting equipment.

 

“As well as the health care savings, needle and syringe programs have given us substantial gains in quality and length of life in Australia,” said the study’s health economist Dr Jonathan Anderson.

 

“The infections prevented by the program led to Australians gaining 140,000 extra Disability Adjusted Life Years, meaning people lived in better health for longer,” he said.

 

The report indicates that an additional 50 per cent increase in distribution of sterile injecting equipment could lead to optimal results, yielding a further 37 per cent decrease in HIV and 23 per cent decrease in hepatitis C cases over the next 10 years.

 

A copy of the report will be available here.

http://www.nchecr.unsw.edu.au/NCHECRweb.nsf/resources/Reports/$file/RO-2ReportLQ.pdf