The sharing of accessories (needles, syringes) in injecting illicit drugs causes the very fast spread of HIV infection among users of illicit drugs in many countries.

The most important element in preventing the transmission of HIV infection through exposure to infected blood is the prevention of illicit drug use and its consequences, inclusion of illicit drug users in therapy (including substitution treatment) and harm reduction programmes among injecting drug users (including the availability of clean needles and syringes and other injecting accessories).

In Slovenia, this field is well regulated. There are  programmes for weaning from drugs, as well as programmes for the provision of sterile accessories for those in need of such a programme; all are available in major towns in stationary units and through mobile units.

The Health Protection Institute of Koper has been authorised by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia to coordinate these programmes.