Needle and syringe programs (NSPs) are a proven, cost-effective way of reducing the transmission of bloodborne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) among people who use drugs. They do not result in increased crime in neighbourhoods nor do they lead to drug use. Harm reduction, including NSPs, has been endorsed by Canadian federal, … Read more
FEATURES Warsaw conference showcases Legal Network’s harm reduction work Legal Network steps up access to medicines advocacy in Ottawa AGM honours Ruth Carey and HALCO, hears stories of grassroots action to influence policy change MEDIA SCAN MOVING ON Taslim Madhani and Alana Klein head east PROFILE Students’ paths converge at Legal Network IN BRIEF MSM … Read more
FEATURES Male circumcision and HIV prevention: a human rights and public health challenge Commentary: Engendering bold leadership against HIV/AIDS CANADIAN DEVELOPMENTS Subcommittee fails to recommend legal reforms needed to promote human rights of sex workers Conservative government ends funding for research on Insite Draft evaluation suggests pilot safer tattooing program had potential to reduce disease … Read more
In this article, Joanne Csete identifies some of the most important human rights questions that should be taken into account in the development of guidelines for national governments. The author argues that a scale-up of services to provide male circumcision provides an excellent opportunity to address issues concerning the subordination of women. Related Publications HIV/AIDS … Read more
The importance of leadership, especially human rights-driven leadership, in the fight against HIV/AIDS is widely recognized. However, argues Michael Pates in this commentary, the type of bold leadership required to really make a difference has been lacking. Pates calls for the development of an AIDS Leadership Initiative and describes how it might happen. Related Publications … Read more
According to the current legal framework and professional guidelines in Canada, safe injection facility (SIF) staff cannot assist clients in the administration of their drugs and SIF clients cannot help each other inject. However, recent evaluations show that the HIV prevalence rate for people who require assistance when injecting illegal drugs is double that of … Read more