Needle & syringe gap assessment for PEPFAR programs

Needle & syringe gap assessment for PEPFAR programs

Years: 2012

Funded by: USAID/PEPFAR: Partners: Abt Associates

The purpose of the assessment was to examine the procurement, supply chain, and adequacy of supply of needles and syringes in order to identify gaps in resources currently available to inform PEPFAR programming. The assessment was conducted in the nine PEPFAR provinces and Son La. Qualitative methods were employed, included 6 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions per province. Interviews were held with key informants such as leaders at Provincial AIDS Centers and leaders of HIV harm reduction programs. Focus group discussions were held with peer educators, people who inject drugs, and local pharmacists. Findings from this assessment will be shared among a wide group of stakeholders and to inform PEPFAR's future engagement in NSP. Findings can be also used for advocacy on sufficient and well- coordinated coverage of NSP.