Jim Anderton: Needle exchanges are an effective means of HIV-prevention

The government is strongly committed to the Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) as an effective way of helping prevent the transmission of blood-borne viruses, says Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton.

"The Labour-Progressive government is resolute in its commitment to supporting the NSEP as a highly effective public programme to prevent the transmission of blood borne viruses," Jim Anderton said in a speech delivered at the opening of new premises for the Roger Wright Centre in Christchurch today.

"I can say also on behalf of the Progressive Party that I belong to that we are very disappointed by the efforts of the United States Government to encourage other nations into withdrawing support for needle exchange programmes by putting pressure on U.N. agencies," Jim Anderton said.

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