Implementation dilemmas of the Needle Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP): Between the law and prevention
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: HIV/AIDS is a potentially serious threat to national development. In 2006, the Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) was formally introduced to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS. However, this programme places many of its clients in a dilemma because they want to access NSEP services but are afraid of being arrested by the police since drug use in is a criminal offense in Malaysia. The primary data for the qualitative study were gathered through in-depth interviews with ten (10) lower ranking police officers from the Penang Narcotics Department. The findings indicated that the majority of the respondents are well-prepared and ready to accept NSEP, while a number still lack a full understanding of the NSEP. This study suggests that improvement in terms of training is important to increase knowledge and understanding among the lower ranking police officers regarding HIV/AIDS in order to ensure the success of the NSEP.
Authors: Paramjit Singh Jamir Singh, Azlinda Azman, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Radin Firdaus Radin Badaruddin, Kumarashwaran Vadevelu, Mohd Haizzan Yahaya, Abdul Rais Abdul Latiff
Institutions: Universiti Sains Malaysia, Prince of Songkla University
Language: English
Topic: HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W2555833846