What does it cost? An economic analysis of a harm reduction intervention in Svetlogorsk, Belarus

Given the expanding HIV epidemic among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Easte rn Europe, there is a greater focus on harm reduction activities among IDUs . The aim of this study was to undertake an economic analysis of a harm red uction intervention in Belarus. The paper examines the nature and implement ation of project activities, measures the costs of these activities, and th en highlights key factors influencing the replication of these activities e lsewhere. The cost analysis was performed to assess the resources required to implement the project and its unit costs. The main activities were: prom otion of safe use of syringes; collection of dirty needles; promotion of sa fe sex; medical assistance in case of sexually transmitted diseases; psycho logical and legal support; and outreach services by volunteers. Total finan cial and economic costs were $28, 524 and $32,768, respectively. When donat ed mass media services were included, economic costs total $148,617. The fi nancial and economic (with mass media) unit costs ranged from $0.32 to 1.68 per disposable syringe distributed and $0.98 to 5.10 per contact. Total co sts were sensitive to the valuation of mass media services. However, it is unclear to what extent mass media would have been used if the project had b orne the costs. This issue is crucial when considering the sustainability a nd replication of similar projects elsewhere.