Harm Reduction: When Evidence Should Influence Health Policy

Harm reduction can be thought of as any program or policy designed to reduce drug-related harm without requiring the cessation of drug use. An example of a successful harm reduction strategy is the use of needle exchange programs or syringe exchange programs. Unfortunately, decisions may be made by policy makers that conflict with scientific literature and the abundance of evidence supporting such harm reduction measures. Evidence in favour of harm reduction strategies is robust, and their implementation is required in any comprehensive public health policy attempting to improve the well-being of society as a whole. This article examines the evidence supporting the efficacy of one such harm reduction strategy, namely, needle exchange programs; it also outlines a simple approach for medical students, residents, physicians, and other health care professionals to be involved in change on a global scale by discussing the Vienna Declaration as a tool for influencing evidence-based drug policy.