Needle exchange keeping HIV down

An HIV expert has credited low rates of infection in the Hunter to a very successful needle and syringe exchange program in the region.

New South Wales has been recognised internationally for achieving a sustained, stable rate of HIV infection since 2000 with an average annual rate of 5.6 new notifications per 100,000 people.

Chair of the Division of Medicine at John Hunter Hospital, Dr Michael Boyle, says countries that have introduced needle exchange programs appear to have substantially reduced the prevalence of HIV.

"I think that's true in both Hunter New England and New South Wales as a whole," he said.

"We've been willing to make tough decisions around needle and syringe exchange to reduce spreading through drug use in the community.

"[It has been] very successful in the Hunter.

"There's a very active needle and syringe program and a very effective one."