Report uncovers increased use of needle exchange scheme

Users of the Needle Exchange Scheme in Northern Ireland have increased by almost a quarter during the past year, according to a report.

In the 12-month period ending 31 March 2004, there were 7,508 visits to participating pharmacies by users of the scheme, compared to 6,043 visits in the previous year – a 24% increase.

Since the introduction of the scheme in April 2001, which is designed to minimise the misuse and sharing of needles by drug users, the number of participating pharmacies has risen from five to nine.

Needle Exchange Schemes are a service for injecting drug users, targeted as a harm reduction measure to help limit the spread of blood borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

Latest figures reveal that four out of every five persons using the scheme are males and out of these half are under the age of 30.

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, John O'Dowd, said the figures highlighted the need for more anti-drugs awareness policies.

He added: "Right across the north, illicit drug use is recognised as one of the growing problems which we face. People cannot afford to be complacent about this increasing scourge within our midst."

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