Harm reduction--from a conceptual framework to practical experience: the example of Germany.
Drug demand reduction programs must be integrated into a comprehensive strategy aiming at preventing drug misuse, facilitating access to counseling, to treatment of dependence, and to rehabilitation; and establishing effective measures to reduce the adverse health and social consequences of drug misuse. The continuous and even rising spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis B and C) among injecting drug users is alarming. Although, in many countries the prevalence of HIV infections is decreasing due to the implementation of effective harm reduction measures, such as syringe exchange and opiate substitution treatment (OST), in other countries infections are on the rise. The lessons learnt indicate that only a comprehensive, evidence-based approach in prevention, treatment, care, and support is promising in combating the devastating effects of drug dependence.
Office of the Federal Drug Commissioner, Federal Ministry of Health, Berlin, Germany. ingoilja.michels@giz.de
Ingo Ilja
II
Michels
Heino
H
Stöver
D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs; D011330:Prisons; D011633:Public Facilities; D012944:Social Support; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*