Injection safety
According to the World Health Organization, 16 billion injections are given each year in developing countries, and the risk of unsafe injections is a serious concern. Reuse of needles can cause the spread of life-threatening disease. For example, cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV caused by unsafe injections accounted for 30, 41, and 5 percent of new infections in 2000, respectively. However, single-use syringes, which range in cost between US$0.03 and $0.06 per syringe, could lower the risk of receiving an unsafe injection. In addition, other issues such as waste disposal and improper administration of vaccines are important problems related to injection safety.
PATH has developed technologies for safe needle disposal and worked with countries to get the supplies they need to make injections safe. Visit PATH's website to learn more about PATH's work in ensuring safe injections worldwide.
View resources on injection safety
Key resources
The Cure That Kills (2008)
A paper that examines the health risks posed by unsafe injections in Africa and outlines some of the programs that are helping reduce these risks.
Injection Safety Fact Sheet (2006)
A summary of issues and concerns associated with unsafe injection practices.
The Safe Injection Global Network (SIGN) Alliance
A World Health Organization-coordinated website with resources on injection safety, including fact sheets, meeting reports, and a weekly e-newsletter, for a voluntary coalition of stakeholders aiming to achieve safe and appropriate use of injections worldwide.
Featured PATH resources
Giving Safe Injections: Using Auto-Disable Syringes for Immunization (2001)
A manual for health care workers who provide injections, including information on the health impact of unsafe injections.
Proper Handling and Disposal of Auto-Disable Syringes and Safety Boxes (2006)
A training module, designed to be easy to adapt for specific national programs, that includes key technical content and quizzes, role plays, and creative ideas for trainers on injection safety.
Designing Safe Syringe Disposal Systems for Immunization Services (2003)
A manual for program managers that helps guide decision-making related to safe syringe disposal at the district level.
Page last updated: May 2010.
