Mulebeke S, Bakaki P, Kalyesubula I, Owor M, Musoke P, Mmiro F; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. D11321.
MU-JHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
ISSUE: There are standard procedures for universal precautions to protect against acquiring blood stream infection including HIV. In developing countries the risk of health workers acquiring HIV may be higher due to the high HIV sero prevalence, limited resources, lack of essential materials and availability of protective materials. In Uganda, the areas of increased exposure of health workers to patients' body fluids and blood include accidental needle prick injuries and maternal blood at delivery. DESCRIPTION: In our mother child follow-up clinic, health workers wear gloves and plastic aprons when carrying out procedures, which involve direct contact with body fluids and blood. 10% JIK solution is used when body fluids or blood accidentally spill on the skin, floor and clothing. A health worker with an open wound must dress it before carrying out any procedure. A closed method for drawing blood using vacutainers minimises exposure to blood. Used needles and surgical blades are put in sharps containers, which are locally made. When full, they are collected in biohazard bags and sent to the incinerator. In case of accidental needle prick injuries, immediate HIV testing is offered and if negative, prophylactic antiretroviral therapy is provided. LESSON LEARNED: Health workers adhering to the use of protective wear during procedures and following instructions may minimise risk of HIV transmission. In resource poor countries, it is important to adhere to the protective measures and adaptation can be done for some instruments e.g. sharps containers. RECOMMENDATIONS: All institutions managing HIV/AIDS should have adequate stock of protective materials, procedure for drawing blood on patients should be clear, HIV post exposure prophylaxis for health workers should be made available
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- AIDS Vaccines
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Ambulatory Care Facilities
- Anti-HIV Agents
- Child
- Developing Countries
- HIV
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health
- Health Facilities
- Health Personnel
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Humans
- Needlestick Injuries
- Protective Clothing
- Research
- Uganda
- Universal Precautions
- manpower
- methods
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102256574
From Meeting Abstracts