Northern Ireland

Needle exchange programme to be withdrawn after protests outside south Belfast pharmacy

A needle exchange programme is to close in south Belfast
A needle exchange programme is to close in south Belfast A needle exchange programme is to close in south Belfast

A NEEDLE exchange programme is to be withdrawn after protests outside a south Belfast pharmacy.

Objections were raised about the service at Botanic Avenue after claims that the service was leading to anti-social behaviour.

Those behind the protest claimed the area has been "blighted with issues arising from the needle exchange programme".

The scheme was set up to provide needles and syringes to people who use intravenous drugs including heroin or steroids.

It was unclear whether the protests had any impact on the decision to withdraw the scheme at the end of next month.

The Public Health Agency said that those who use the service, which puts users in contact with professionals who can help them, will continue to have access to exchange facilities.

The agency said the needle scheme was "vital to the health and wellbeing of the entire community and helps to reduce the potential of drug-related litter and lowers the risk of HIV and Hepatitis B and C within the wider population".

SDLP deputy mayor of Belfast Paul McCusker voiced concerns.

"Removing services will achieve nothing," Mr McCusker said.

"Services like this ensures that we don't have increased needles on our streets.

“For 23 years, this service has been critical and shouldn't have had to close," he told the BBC.

Between April 1, 2018 and March 31 last year, 33,992 visits were made to needle exchange facilities across the north.