The public health minister of Ontario, Canada, has rejected a proposal to open five safe-injection sites in the province, the National Post reports. A recent public health report called for three sites in Toronto and two in Ottawa, arguing that these sites could curb the incidence of HIV and hepatitis, as well as the number of overdose deaths. According to public health experts, each of the three Toronto locations could prevent up to three HIV cases per year and as many as 20 hepatitis C cases, while each Ottawa site could prevent as many as 10 HIV cases and 35 hepatitis C cases. The health minister released a statement saying that experts are still divided and that the government will not open the sites.

To read the National Post article, click here.