I will not be presenting. We only used my account to submit this abstract. This is community lead research and it will be presented by dr. Annie Madden (INPUD), Armenian comm. Rep, GENPUD, or TANPUD.

Background and Motivation
Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) are among the most effective public health interventions for preventing the transmission of blood-borne diseases like hepatitis C and HIV. Despite their efficacy, many people do not receive adequate or appropriate syringes, with some programs providing low-quality or unsuitable equipment. In response, a multi-country research project (across 10 countries) was initiated, focusing on the introduction of Low Dead Space syringes, guided by a formal "Values and Preferences" approach led by the International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD).

Methodology
This three-phase study involved a community-led approach:
Phase 1: Focus Groups
Individuals were presented with a range of new syringes and harm reduction equipment during structured focus groups. Feedback was gathered to understand preferences and equipment needs.
Phase 2: Field Testing
Based on Phase 1 findings, selected equipment was provided to participants for a 6-weeks period. Participants tested the equipment and gave detailed feedback on its usability and effectiveness.
Phase 3: Implementation
The final phase will implement NSPs using the selected equipment during a minimum of 12 months, informed by the community's preferences and feedback, ensuring greater alignment with users’ actual needs.

Main Results and Findings
Preliminary results indicate that existing NSPs often provide inadequate or inappropriate materials, limiting their effectiveness. Initial feedback highlights the need for better equipment, in terms of quality and quantity, tailored to community preferences. Comprehensive results from Phase 1 are expected by April 2025, and this conference will be the first to present these innovative findings.

Conclusion and Relevance
This study underscores the importance of integrating community-driven "Values and Preferences" approaches in NSPs to ensure that people receive the appropriate, high-quality materials necessary for effective harm reduction.

Note; This is community led reearch. The presenting author will be community rep.