Are risk-reduction strategies like condom distribution or needle exchange legal?
Yes, completely. The law explicitly states that any strategy or mechanism adopted for reducing the risk of HIV transmission, as carried out in accordance with government guidelines, shall not be restricted, prohibited, or constitute a criminal offence or attract civil liability. This includes:
- provision of safer sex tools including condoms;
- drug substitution and maintenance;
- And comprehensive injection safety requirements.
For example, both the provider and user are protected in case of:
- Supplying or use of condoms by sex workers or their clients.
- Providing HIV or sexual health IEC or condoms to men who have sex with men or transgender persons.
- Providing registered needle exchange programme services or opioid substitution treatment to people who inject drugs.

