0480/2009 - Public Health, Harm Reduction and the Prevention of Blood-borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections: a review of their main concepts and implementation in Brazil.
Saúde Pública, Redução de Danos e a Prevenção das Infecções de Transmissão Sexual e Sanguínea: revisão dos principais conceitos e sua implementação no Brasil.
Publicado
Author:
• Lucília de Almeida Elias - Elias, LA - rio de janeiro, rio de janeiro - Centro de Saúde Escola Germano Sinval Faria / Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - <luciliaelias@ensp.fiocruz.br>Thematic Area:
Não CategorizadoAbstract:
AbstractThe article assesses the historical context and the conceptual frame of initiatives aiming to reduce drug-related harm. Such initiatives are explored from the perspective of public health, focusing on the Brazilian experience. The review discusses the relevance of such programs in the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, with emphasis on AIDS and hepatitis C.
Findings from Brazilian and international literature demonstrate that practical initiatives aiming to reduce drug-related harm tend to be more effective in the context of broad measures in the field of public health, inspired by common goals. Initiatives aiming to reduce drug-related harm, once in synchrony with the basic principles of public health move beyond a priori models and actions restricted to health care. Such initiatives rather comprise a variety of pragmatic measures, based on public policies, and should be harmonized with the demands of the communities where such initiatives take place since their inception and implemented in the context of a full partnership with such communities.
Keywords: Harm Reduction, Public Health, Substance Abuse, Blood-borne pathogens, Sexually Transmitted Diseases
