PSI has received confirmation that the use of retractable syringes has become mandatory in all health centres, public or private, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a great victory for PSI's affiliate, the Nurses’ union SOLSICO, which initiated and led the efforts to persuade the government.
Information about the syringes was available at the PSI World Congress. Jorge Mancillas, PSI Health and Municipal Services Officer, was approached by several PSI affiliates, and unions from the DRC and Nigeria took the information back to their governments. In Nigeria, the government has agreed to make a large initial purchase. In DRC, SOLSICO representative Aimée Lukwasa immediately
contacted the Ministry of Health, presenting further material and information about the retractable syringes. The government responded positively, and on 5th January, signed a decree making the use of retractable syringes mandatory by law.
This law will make a huge difference to health workers and patients. This measure will provide protection to the 28,789 nurses and 5,827 doctors in the country and to all home and community users of syringes. It will also benefit patients by preventing reuse of syringes. It is estimated that up to 200 million syringes will be used per year.
Unsafe injections cause infections with Hepatitis B, C and HIV, the majority in developing countries where 40% of injections are considered unsafe. The viruses are transmitted when the same needles are used for several patients. Health workers can also be infected through accidental needlestick injuries when providing care. Over 2 million incidents of needlestick injuries sustained by health
workers are reported each year, and many more go unreported.
Retractable syringes avoid unsafe injections because they can only be used once. They protect against needlestick injuries because the needle is automatically retracted back into the syringe immediately after use. This means that many lives will be saved - and that's good news for everyone.
For more information, contact Jorge.Mancillas@world-psi.org.