WHO first recommended needle and syringe programmes (NSPs) for HIV prevention in 2003, providing the basis for their formal recognition as an essential harm reduction intervention. Since 2016, such programmes have been highlighted in the WHO Global Health Sector Strategies (GHSS) on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). NSPs have been highlighted as a key intervention, with established targets for reach and coverage by 2030, for their critical role in achieving global goals for the elimination of HIV and HCV infections.

Needle and syringe programmes (NSPs) are often the first point of contact with marginalized people who inject drugs. As a core intervention for harm reduction, they are highly effective in preventing HIV and HCV transmission, reducing the incidence of skin and soft tissue infections, and providing an entry point for prevention of overdoses and broader health support.

This document offers practical WHO recommendations for the implementation and scale-up of Needle & Syringe Programmes for People Who Use Drugs.

It is broken into five areas:

1. Assessment and planning,
2. Implementation model,
3. Comprehensive services,
4. Monitoring, and
5. Scaling up.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)