Abstract

AIDS: Injection drug users make up more than one-third of the AIDS cases in the United States. As a result, public health groups are challenging state laws that make it illegal to sell, distribute, or possess syringes without a prescription. Congressional legislation states that Federal funds cannot be used for legal and illegal needle exchange programs in the United States unless the surgeon general deems that the NEPs reduce HIV and do not encourage drug use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials acknowledge that needle-exchange programs reduce HIV infection, but more proof is needed showing that legalizing syringes would not increase drug use. The New Jersey Governor's AIDS Advisory Council recently recommended changing state law to support clean-needle distribution. The Council found that needle-exchange programs are as effective as drug abuse treatment programs in reducing HIV transmission.