Se Asian J Trop Med
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Se Asian J Trop Med · Dec 2004
Hidden reality on the introduction of auto-disable syringes in developing countries.
With the growing concerns about the risk of unsafe injections (e.g. unsterilized injection practices), WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA decided to introduce the auto-disable (AD) syringe for immunization in the world. The AD syringe is designed to be automatically locked after a single use, hence no chance of reuse. Consequently, the risk of infection can be reduced for the recipient. ⋯ The used and improperly disposed AD syringes could be a huge source of blood-borne infections and environmental pollution at the community level. This study attempted to explore the present situation with regard to the introduction of AD syringes for immunization in Lao PDR. We conclude that reviewing the present 'safe injection' policy is urgently required in Lao PDR, as well as in other developing countries where the disposal system for medical wastes is not yet well established.