The Impact of Needle and Syringe Programs on HIV and HCV Transmissions in Injecting Drug Users in Australia: A Model-Based Analysis.

The article presents a study which analyzes the role of needle-syringe programs (NSPs) in preventing HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cases among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Australia. A mathematical model of HIV and HCV transmission among needle-sharers was developed using biological and Australian epidemiological and behavioral data. Results show that NSP distribution of syringes effectively controlled HIV while HCV cases are anticipated to remain high since its control is unfeasible.