The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for worldwide use of "smart" syringes that cannot be used more than once.
WHO urged that millions of people could be protected from infections contracted from syringes that have been used on more than one patient if all healthcare programs make the switch. The organization is now launching a new policy on injection safety as well as a global campaign to help all counties prevent risky injections.
"Adoption of safety-engineered syringes is absolutely critical to protecting people worldwide from becoming infected with HIV, hepatitis and other diseases. This should be an urgent priority for all countries," said Dr. Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of the WHO HIV/AIDS Department.
The new "smart" syringes recommended by WHO have features that prevent re-use such as a weak spot in the plunger that breaks if it is pulled back following an injection. Syringes are also being developed that aim to prevent health workers from accidental "needle stick" injuries and resulting infections.
A 2014 WHO study estimated up to 1.7 million people were infected with hepatitis B, 315,000 with hepatitis C, and up to 33,800 with HIV as a result of unsafe injections. In addition to using safer modern needles, WHO also highlighted the need to reduce the number of unnecessary injections in order to prevent these types of infections.
"We know the reasons why this is happening," said Dr. Edward Kelley, Director of the WHO Service Delivery and Safety Department. "One reason is that people in many countries expect to receive injections, believing they represent the most effective treatment. Another is that for many health workers in developing countries, giving injections in private practice supplements salaries that may be inadequate to support their families."
WHO is asking that all countries transition to these new safety procedures by the year 2020. They are also calling for changes in policies and standards, such as safe disposal of syringes that have the potential for re-use and continued training for health workers on injection safety.
"The new policy and global campaign represent a decisive step in a long-term strategy to improve injection safety by working with countries worldwide. We have already seen considerable progress," Kelley said.
The new syringes cost twice as much as conventional ones, so WHO is calling on donors to support the important transition to these safer devices. They believe the price will fall over time as the "smart" syringes become more popular.
