Needle exchange programme in final stages, says minister

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says preparations for the rollout of a needle exchange programme aimed at reducing HIV transmission among people who share syringes are in their final stages.

Dr Ratu Atonio said the HIV taskforce had been developing a plan focused on preventing transmission linked to the sharing and improper use of needles, particularly among drug users.

The Health Ministry has established a special unit to address the HIV outbreak and develop measures to reduce transmission.

“One of the initiatives is the needle exchange programme, and that is something I think is in the final stages before we start to see it being implemented,” Ratu Atonio said.

“The programme is part of broader efforts to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and would require consultation with relevant stakeholders before it is introduced,” he said.

“For the needle exchange programme to be implemented, it needs the buy-in of all the relevant stakeholders not only the technical people who will be looking after it, but especially the community in general.”

He said discussions were continuing with relevant ministries and stakeholders to ensure that the programme was properly structured before rollout.