The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly advocates for safe injection practices to prevent infections. Key guidelines emphasize the use of safety-engineered syringes with reuse prevention (RUP) features for all injections. Syringes with sharps injury protection are highly recommended whenever feasible. Crucially, never bend the needle and do not recap the needle.
Key WHO Recommendations:
- Safety-Engineered Syringes: WHO prioritizes the use of syringes designed to prevent reuse and needle-stick injuries. WHO guideline on the use of safety-engineered syringes for injections provides detailed information.
- Needle Safety: Strict adherence to safe injection techniques is paramount. This includes avoiding needle recapping and bending to minimize the risk of accidental needle-stick injuries.
- Infection Prevention: Safe injection practices significantly contribute to the prevention of infections transmitted through unsafe injections. WHO best practices for injections and related procedures toolkit offers a comprehensive toolkit.
These guidelines are crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Further resources and tools are available from the WHO website, including information on injection procedures and infection prevention and control. Injection safety tools and resources offers additional support.
