Thursday, April 17, 2008

'Iran Offers Condoms and Syringes to Addicts'

Story here. Iran acknowledges it has a serious drug problem but denies homosexuality exists there. (See past blog posts.)

On Wednesday the deputy head of Iran’s antidrug agency said vending machines will soon be installed to allow drug users access to inexpensive condoms and syringes.

“Five of these machines which have been made will be installed in five of Tehran city’s welfare shelters for addicts,” said Mohammad Reza Jahani. “Condoms, syringes, bandages, and plasters will be easily accessible just by inserting a coin. This protects addicts from acquiring HIV and hepatitis.”

The items can be purchased with a single 500-rial coin, equivalent to about 5 U.S. cents, he said.

“The machines will be used for a three-month period and if the scheme is successful, then we will upgrade them and increase their distribution to other shelters,” said Jahani.

Iran has a serious drug problem, government officials acknowledge. The country is situated along one of the world’s main trafficking routes for cannabis, heroin, opium, and morphine. Out of 2,500 tons of narcotics that enter Iran annually from neighboring Afghanistan, some 700 tons are consumed within the country’s borders, officials say.

Iran has changed its approach to combating drug use by focusing on drug treatment and disease prevention rather than throwing addicts into already overcrowded jails.

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