Evidence database

Best practice portal main page

Needle and syringe programmes to prevent HCV and HIV infection and reduce injecting risk behaviours

Summary of the evidence

Rating
  • Beneficial

High NSP coverage (defined as regular attendance at an NSP or all injections being covered by a new needle/syringe) has been found to be effective in a a systematic review with meta-analysis (Platt et al., 2017, 28 studies, N= 11 070 PWID) in:

  • reducing the risk of HCV acquisition by 76 % only in studies in Europe (RR 0.24, 95 % CI 0.09 to 0.62).

Another systematic review (Palmateer et al., 2022, 27 systematic review, 61 studies) confirmed the results and found sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of OST in:

  • the prevention of HCV transmission among PWID.
  • the prevention of HIV transmission among PWID.
  • reducing self-reported injecting risk behaviour among PWID

Details

Note: this evidence summary is only valid for the outcomes, target groups, settings and substances/patterns of use described below.

Name of response option
  • Needle and syringe programmes (NSP)
Desired outcome(s)
  • reduce infectious diseases
Area(s)
  • Harm reduction
Specific substance or pattern of use
  • amphetamines
  • opioids
Target group(s) or setting(s)
  • PWID – people who inject drugs

References

Explore all resources in the Best practice portal

 

Miniguides

A one-stop-shop for anyone planning or delivering health and social responses.

 

Implementation

Implementation inventories including Xchange, Healthy Nightlife Toolbox, EUPC and EIB

 

Evidence

All of the latest research and evidence on drug-related interventions.

 

Standards

Standards and guidelines for drug-related interventions, aimed at improving their quality.

About the Best practice portal

Collaborations and partnerships in best practice

Logo of the Cochrane Collaboration
Logo of the Campbell Collaboration
Grade logo
WHO logo
Top