[Distribution of free equipment to intravenous drug addicts in Copenhagen].

Since HIV-infection was recognized in Denmark in the middle of the 80'ies, the authorities have tried to prevent spread of the infection by common educational information. Besides this, special interest was focussed on transmission between members in certain subgroups at high risk. Amongst these are intravenous drug users because of their common needle-sharing. Intravenous drug users constitute the second largest group of HIV infected individuals in Denmark as well as abroad, and it is from this primary high risk group that heterosexual transmission is most feared. In order to prevent this, the urgent need in stopping transmission among the members of the subpopulation itself as early as possible was realized. In order to achieve this, the municipalities of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg and Copenhagen County have distributed free needles and syringes from pharmacies during the past five years. The free needle arrangement is described in figures as well by interviews with a number of intravenous drug users seen as customers at Pharmacy of Istedgade, Copenhagen V. A total of 3 million needles and syringes have been distributed through the period and the arrangement seems to have been a success, although difficulties are great outside normal opening hours and for the imprisoned. Further and expanded distribution possibilities and new ways of thinking are recommended in order to achieve greater compliance amongst intravenous drug addicts.