Syringe exchange for prevention of HIV infection in Sweden: practical experiences and community reactions

An HIV prevention project, including syringe exchange, among intravenous drug users was started in Lund, Sweden, in November 1986. The program has been effective in reaching local addicts. Practical problems have been few. The educational and epidemiological effects on HIV infection are promising, and local drug treatment programs have benefited from the project in that previously untreated users have been attracted to treatment. The syringe exchange has been much debated. In general, the medical society, local authorities, and mass media have been supportive, while many politicians and social workers, especially in other parts of the country, have been strongly opposed. At present, the existence of the project is threatened.