A study out today shows every dollar spent on needle and syringe exchange programs saves taxpayers $4 by preventing life-threatening infections.

In the past decade, programs have directly prevented more than 32,000 cases of HIV infection and nearly 100,000 cases of hepatitis C.

Australians gained 140,000 extra ''disability adjusted life years'', meaning people enjoyed better health for a longer period.

It has prompted calls for governments to expand exchange programs a proposal rejected by ACT Health Minister Katy Gallagher.

The ACT Government and Opposition were also against establishing a ''safe injecting room''.

Hepatitis Australia vice-president Stuart Loveday said ''unsterile'' syringes were still used for about 50per cent of all injections.

''The system is failing Australians. The supply of injecting equipment is currently limited and not meeting the demand. Governments must invest in expanding needle and syringe programs as this report clearly demonstrates the benefits,'' he said.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au

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