Needle and syringe programs (NSPs) are a proven, cost-effective way of reducing the transmission of bloodborne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) among people who use drugs. They do not result in increased crime in neighbourhoods nor do they lead to drug use. Harm reduction, including NSPs, has been endorsed by Canadian federal, provincial and territorial governments.
However, barriers persist that prevent people who use drugs from free access to sufficient sterile injection equipment.