CADAC ends free syringes for users

CEBU, Philippines - The distribution of free syringes to injecting drug users by a nongovernment organization  based at the Cebu City Health Department has been stopped by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

The Cebu Plus has been used by the Department of Health to distribute syringes for free to drug users as one way to prevent the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus.

Dr. Alice Utlang, head of the Cebu City Office for Substance-Abuse Prevention, said CADAC members are strongly objecting the move of Cebu Plus to distribute syringes to injecting drug users.

Although the intention of Cebu Plus is laudable because it is meant to reduce the number of HIV cases, giving free syringes to injecting drug users connotes a bad implication.

According to Utlang, the distribution of syringes to injecting drug users may encourage the concerned addict to continue their illegal activities.

“Kalain ‘sab ana uy. Mora man og masabot nga abi kay dili g’yud masumpo ang paggamit og mga injectable drugs sa mga addict hatagan na lang sila og libre nga syringe,” Utlang said.

Dr. Ilya Tac-an, head of the City Health Department’s sexually transmitted diseases section, said the most vulnerable to HIV are those who engage in unsafe sex and those who share infected needles.

The records of the City Health Department show that from 1989 to 2004, there were only a few number of HIV cases reported, but in 2005 up to present the number is fast increasing.

Among those inflicted with HIV includes children aged 15 years old.

It was reported that Central Visayas shared 17 percent or 498 of the 1,432 new HIV cases detected nationwide from January to March this year. The records show that a total of 1,079 HIV cases reported in Cebu City alone since 1987 up to the present.  (FREEMAN)