The refusal to sell clean needles to drug users is aiding the spread of spread of HIV, claims HIV advocate Temo Sasau.
Mr Sasau claims some chemists refuse to give needles to people they suspect of using methamphetamine or doing bluetoothing, — the dangerous practice of drug users sharing blood containing drugs.
“Fifty per cent of HIV cases last year were from needle sharing,” Mr Sasau said.
“We know this because we have ears and eyes on the streets. People can’t get clean needles, so they share used ones.”
He said the problem was growing as more people turned to drugs like meth and shared equipment.
“We are being smashed left, right and centre by a rise in HIV cases linked to this,” Mr Sasau said, adding that grassroots organisations were doing their best to educate communities, although better support is needed.
“We need the Government to come up with a stronger plan so people can access clean needles safely.
“If we don’t, this crisis will keep growing.”
Mr Sasau said saving lives must be the priority and that simple steps like more awareness and safer access to clean needles could help stop the spread.
