Commenting on figures released today which show an 11% decrease in drug users attending "injecting equipment provision outlets" such as needle exchange programmes, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said:
"Needle exchange programmes are a critical tool in our battle against drug abuse. Not only does it prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV, it provides a safe atmosphere where advice and support can also be given to help cure a user's addiction.
"The Scottish Government must tackle drug abuse in our communities. This can only be through a partnership of strategies which include harm reduction programmes such as needle exchanges, tackling the spread of illicit drugs and educating our children on the severe impact of drug abuse on a person's health and home."