Latin America - Harm Reduction Programmes

Key harm reduction interventions (including needle and syringe exchange and opioid substitution therapy) are not available in the majority of countries in this region, as illustrated in the map and table below. Where harm reduction services exist, the heavy stigma surrounding drug use, as well as a fear of arrest, often deter people from accessing them. The lack of a supportive legal and policy framework in many Latin American countries presents a substantial barrier to effective harm reduction implementation.

Prisons in Latin America do not currently provide needle and syringe exchange or opioid substitution therapy to prisoners.

The following table indicates which countries have a) one or more needle and syringe exchange sites operational both in and outside prisons, b) prescription of opioid substitution therapy for maintenance in and outside of prisons c) one or more drug consumption rooms in countries of the region.

A Y in this table does not indicate the scope, quality or coverage of services. Also it should be noted that in some countries, harm reduction services, NSP in particular, are NGO-driven and may be operating without government support.

The map below shows which countries have operational needle and syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapy programmes within and outside prisons.

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