"Among druh users, HIV incidence is 10 percent. That's really so," he told a press conference on Thursday.
Daria Ocheret, policy and advocacy program manager at the Eurasian Harm Reduction Network, says the number exceeds the epidemic level of 5 percent. In her words, harm reduction programs are needed to fight the problem.
According to Ščeponavičius, very often harm reduction programs - methadone treatment, disposable needles and syringes, HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy, consultations etc. - are the only link between drug users social services.
"It is acknowledged today that drug addiction is a disease that needs treatment. There's no one effective measure to prevent drug use," he said.
International conference Harm Reduction starts in Vilnius on Sunday, aimed at raising awareness about HIV-positive drug users and the need for harm reduction programs.
