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"Chua: NGOs included in harm reduction
programme"
The
Star (www.thestar.com.my)
(24/05/07)
PUTRAJAYA: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are included in the
Government's harm reduction programme to ensure that the project, aimed at
reducing the number of HIV/AIDS cases, works more effectively, Health
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
“The Health Ministry is still the lead agency and the leader. We are still
taking charge of the programme,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The harm reduction programme includes methadone replacement therapy, and the
needle and syringe exchange programme (NSEP).
He added that drug users, totalling about 1,300, under the methadone
replacement therapy had a “retention rate” of 80%, and 79% of them had found
employment.
The ministry, he said, hoped to bring some 20,000 drug users under the
programme by 2010.
On the NSEP, he said that the ministry hoped to have a centre in every state
to carry out the programme.
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