title: Unsafe injections.
abstract: In many developing countries use of unsterilized or improperly sterilized needles and syringes is common and causes millions of cases of viral hepatitis B and C as well as contributing to the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other bloodborne pathogens. To combat this problem, WHO has stimulated the development of the "auto-destruct" syringe and encourages all donors, international agencies, and health departments to include a supply of such syringes with all vaccines supplied for emergency purposes. In addition, health providers and the public need to be educated about the risk of inappropriate and unsterile injections.
authors.affiliation: Global Programme for Vaccines and Immunization, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kane
mesh_terms: D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003906:Developing Countries; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013242:Sterilization / Q000592:standards*; D013594:Syringes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014944:World Health Organization