Oceania - Harm Reduction Programmes

Key harm reduction interventions (including needle and syringe exchange and opioid substitution therapy) are available in both Australia and New Zealand but not in the PICTs, as illustrated in the maps and table below.

Although harm reduction coverage in New Zealand and particularly in Australia is higher than many other countries, there are still difficulties faced by some in accessing NSP and OST services. These include the lack of services in rural or regional areas, fear of police harassment in some areas, availability, accessibility and costs of OST, as well as fear of stigma.

Prisoners do not have access to sterile injecting equipment across the region, but opioid substitution therapy is available in most Australian and New Zealand prisons.

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. Countries which have drug consumption rooms are also indicated.

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