home





























 

















 





















hrsa

participating institutions:
Johns Hopkins University AIDS Service, New York State DOH AIDS Institute, The CORE Center, Cook County Hospital



NEWS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS



Cost-Effectiveness of Syringe Exchange as an HIV Prevention Strategy [Laufer FN JAIDS 2001:28:273] The author analyzed cost-effectiveness of the New York State approved syringe exchange programs to determine cost-effectiveness based on data provided by seven such programs. Background data of interest indicated that injection drug users reused syringes an average of over seven times [STAT Med 1994;13:2179], and further studies showed that syringe exchange programs can reduce average circulation time from 23.5 days to less than three days [AIDS 1994;8:567]. Data considered in the cost analysis was HIV seroprevalence in IDUs of 0.4, a syringe exchange attendance rate of 0.5, and an HIV reduction of 3.35/100 person-years at risk. Based on these assumptions, it was calculated that 87 HIV infections would be averted in the seven programs with a total cost of $1.8 million for a cost-effectiveness ratio of $20,947 per HIV infection averted. The authors conclude that syringe exchange is highly cost-effective for reducing HIV transmission.
Comment: This study provides convincing data on the value of syringe exchange as an effective method to reduce HIV transmission. Like needle exchange, the issue is embroiled in politics. Nevertheless, the potential value of these programs was extended in New York State by the "Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program," which permits sale or furnishing of up to ten needles and syringes without prescription to persons over 18 years of age by licensed pharmacies and health care facilities. The program began January 1, 2001 and is expected to reach a larger portion than those served by syringe exchange programs.
posted 11/19/2001





Copyright © 2001-2002. The National AIDS Education and Training Centers Program on behalf of its AETC National Resource Center. All rights reserved.

Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained in this site because no single reference or service can take the place of medical training, education, and experience. Consumers are cautioned that this site is not intended to provide medical advice about any specific medical condition they may have or treatment they may need, and they are encouraged to call or see their physician or other health care provider promptly with any health related questions they may have.