The federal government is calling for proposals to reduce HIV and hepatitis C infection rates among drug users who share needles, pipes and other drug-use equipment.
The initiative is part of a $30 million, five-year Harm Reduction Fund set up by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“The Harm Reduction Fund will help Canadians who use drugs to adopt safer behaviours, and will reduce the rate of preventable diseases,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
Shared drug-use equipment is a key driver of HIV and hepatitis C infections in Canada.
In 2014, 10.5 per cent of new HIV infections were among people who injected drugs.
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