THE FEASIBILITY OF A SYRINGE-NEEDLE-EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN VIETNAM

Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, syringe-exchange program s have been established in a number of developed countries and have pr oven effective in reducing the transmission of HIV. Very few similar p rograms have been established in developing countries. This study repo rts on the feasibility of establishing a syringe-exchange program in V ietnam. Process data collected since the beginning of the program indi cate the feasibility of establishing such a program as well as highlig ht a number of important issues. These issues are: 1) Acceptability of the program in the community which has been achieved through workshop s with key community people including the local police; 2) training an d recruitment of ex-user outreach workers; 3) the distribution of clea n syringes and needles through outreach services rather than at establ ished exchange sites; 4) the establishment of appropriate methods for the collection of used injection equipment. Further research is needed to examine the efficacy of the program in reducing risks and acceptab ility of the program in the larger society.