needle exchange is that of 'harmminimisation', which is widely held to be responsible for the low prevalence of HIV infection in the UK as compared to other Western countries. Needle exchange, also offers an opportunity to come into contact with injecting drug users who might otherwise remain out-of-touch with services.

The main objectives of needle exchange are to provide easy access to free, sterile injecting equipment in a variety of settings, to provide a system for safe disposal of used injecting equipment, to provide free condoms, to provide harm-minimisation advice verbally and in the form of written material, and to act as a gateway to other services. It is essential for the success of schemes that confidentiality is maintained at all times.