Community harm reduction initiatives: Essential investments for illicit drug prevention and control in the future

Abstract

Harm reduction is an approach that reduces the negative consequences of health behaviours without necessarily eliminating them. It is generally accepted that the first harm reduction model emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a response to infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B. Benefits of harm reduction programs have been recognised widely since the 1990s with the emergence of methadone and other maintenance drugs.1 Popular harm reduction programs include needle and syringe exchange, targeted and low-threshold primary health care counselling, supervised injection sites, opioid replacement therapy, naloxone distribution, drug checking for content and purity, and psychosocial support.