Syringe Distribution

"In the Flemish Community, 571,825 syringes were distributed in 2010, and 592,123 were returned, resulting in a “recuperation rate” of 103.6% (Windelinckx and Bosschaerts 2011) (see also ST10_2011_BE_01). In the Walloon region, 297,260 syringes were distributed through the 16 official fixed-site and mobile services and 286.866 were returned, resulting in a recuperation rate of 96.5% (Casero et al. 2010) (see also ST10_2011_BE_02). In addition, 38,220 syringes were dispatched to the network of pharmacists participating to the “Stérifix” project in 2010. However, there is no information available on the number of syringes effectively sold through this network. Compared to previous years, the number of distributed needles slightly decreased (Figure 7.2) whereas the recuperation rate increased (Figure 7.3), confirming the importance of the harm reduction programmes in reducing the risks (e.g. needle-stick injury and consequent infection) to the general population."