Western Europe - Harm Reduction Programmes

Key harm reduction interventions (including needle and syringe exchange and opioid substitution therapy) are available in the vast majority of countries in this region, as illustrated in the maps and table below. Coverage in some areas remains low and improvements to service opening times, as well as stigma reduction and increased investment are necessary to enable more people to access services.

Harm reduction programmes in prisons are not widely available. Several countries prescribe opioid substitution therapy to prisoners, but the availability of sterile injecting equipment is more limited.

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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