There are many tools for HIV and hepatitis C prevention amongst people who use drugs, though access, availability, and acceptability remain a challenge in many countries. Low dead space syringes and needles (LDSS) is one such tool.

It is hypothesized that LDSS can reduce HIV and HCV transmission risk, and a recent modelling study estimated that removing the transmission risk due to injecting drug use could prevent 43% of all new HCV infections globally.

The University of Bristol is currently conducting a modeling research project which shows in the 16 countries being modelled, if NSPs switch to using LDSS (and NSP coverage remains the same) then 14% of new HIV infections could be averted between 2024-2030.
Furthermore, the results of a recent threshold analyses indicated that compared to HDSS, detachable LDSS would only need to reduce the risk of virus transmission by 0.26% to be cost saving and 0.04% to be cost-effective in a high-income setting.

The World Health Organization has recommended the use of low dead space syringes since 2012 and they need to be implemented and scaled up.

People who use drugs must be included in the conception, design, and delivery of programs to ensure their successful implementation. The values and preferences of people who use drugs must be taken into consideration when determining which products are procured. Service providers must ensure that all available tools are available to people who use drugs.

The costs of low dead space syringes should not be a barrier to implementation, particularly in Global Fund and other donor grants.

Low dead space syringes and needles now available and procurement processes need to respond to the needs of people who use drugs.

Introduction – Karin Timmermans, UNITAID
Introduction Slides

WHO hepatitis overview and LDSS recommendations – Ernst Wisse MdM
WHO hepatitis overview and LDSS recommendations Slides

LDSS Report data and findings – Robert Csak, HRI
LDSS Report data and findings Slides

LDSS: the example of Nigeria –  Abdullahi Muktar, Nigeria
LDSS: the example of Nigeria Slides

LDSS introduction in Scotland – John Campbell, Injecting Equipment Provision Manager, NHS, Scotland
LDSS introduction in Scotland Slides

Community Values and Preferences research – Annie Madden, INPUD
Community-led Values & Preferences Research Slides

LDSS commodities market –  Kanishk Gupta, PATH
LDSS commodities market Slides