Doctors decry 'stigmatising' social media posts by federal police

Peak bloodborne virus and sexual health advocacy groups have urged the Australian Federal Police to remove a “stigmatising” social media campaign focusing on illicit drug use.

The coalition, led by Hepatitis Australia, says the "appalling" Facebook posts by the police contain incorrect information and undermine communicable disease elimination efforts endorsed by Australia’s health ministers.

The posts suggest drug users are a danger if they drive, contribute to destruction of the environment, raise insurance premiums and feed the enslavement of women and children.

In a letter sent to Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw last week, the group calls for the posts — shared between 31 October and 3 November — to be deleted to prevent further harm.

“[They] contradict the evidence of what works, including preventing drug-related harms,