Implementation dilemmas of the Needle Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP): Between the law and prevention

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a potentially serious threat to national development. In 2006, the Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) was formally introduced to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS. However, this programme places many of its clients in a dilemma because they want to access NSEP services but are afraid of being arrested by the police since drug use in is a criminal offense in Malaysia. The primary data for the qualitative study were gathered through in-depth interviews with ten (10) lower ranking police officers from the Penang Narcotics Department. The findings indicated that the majority of the respondents are well-prepared and ready to accept NSEP, while a number still lack a full understanding of the NSEP. This study suggests that improvement in terms of training is important to increase knowledge and understanding among the lower ranking police officers regarding HIV/AIDS in order to ensure the success of the NSEP.