Key findings
- Every A$1 invested in Australia's needle and syringe programs (NSPs) returns an estimated A$2.02 through averted healthcare costs and improved public health outcomes associated with HIV and hepatitis C.
- NSPs are highly cost-effective public health interventions that prevent new HIV and hepatitis C infections while reducing long-term healthcare costs.
- NSPs have played a critical role in maintaining very low HIV transmission among people who inject drugs through sustained access to sterile injecting equipment.
- Continued investment in NSPs is critical. Reducing or withdrawing NSP services risks renewed HIV and hepatitis C transmission among people who inject drugs, undermining decades of progress and increasing future healthcare costs.
The NSP ROI model spreadsheet is an Excel-based model estimating the return on investment of needle and syringe programs in preventing HIV and hepatitis C infections among people who inject drugs in Australia. It is a dynamic resource that will be updated as needed and can be found here:
