What is NSEP programme

NSEP is an acronym for Needle Syringe Exchange Programme. It is a part of harm reduction programme. It is a programme where used needles and syringes are exchanged with sterile ones among intravenous drug users

Who is the target group

Clients who are involved with intravenous drug use

What is the NSEP objective

To reduce the rate of HIV and other blood borne as well as sexually transmitted diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphillis among intravenous drug users and also their sexual partners.

To enable both government and NGOs to reach out to these intravenous drug users for other health and medical advice including counseling for voluntary HIV testing, treatment for drugs and alcohol addiction.

Where is the NSEP service available

1. In the government health clinics with NSEP services
2. Outreach workers are responsible for collecting and disposing the needles and syringe from the intravenous drug user. Outreach worker are former drug users who have been trained to carry out NSEP procedures. They will go to the “port” (place where intravenous drug user gather) and do the work NSEP accordance with guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health.

What is the complication if the NSEP not accepted

The risk of HIV and other related infectious disease among intravenous drug users will increase. It will  also increase the risk of infection to their sexual partners. If the women are infected, then their babies may be infected too.