Safe Disposal of Used Needles and Syringes 1

Need for Safe Disposal of Used N/S Needle Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) is a major component of the harm reduction strategy adopted by NACO Disposal mechanism of the used N/S in the intervention sites is a huge challenge to the strategy If proper disposal mechanism is not followed, there is a real chance of transmission of HIV and other blood-borne diseases not only among the IDUs, but also to the general community 2

How to Set Up the Systems? Link up with waste management agencies (Common Bio-waste Treatment Facility) wherever available Link up with Government Medical College/ large hospital which has a proper waste disposal system in the city/ town In case a waste management agency is not available, arrange for transport of the disinfected sharp wastes to the hospital disposal system 3

When Services are not Available... Local mechanisms may be adopted for disposal of needles and syringes: For needles: Construction of sharp pits for disposal of the disinfected needles, or encapsulation For syringes: Shredding, or mutilation and burial on site For further details refer to : NACO’s ‘Guidelines on Safe Disposal of Used Needles and Syringes in the Context of Targeted Intervention for Injecting Drug Users’ 4

Accidental Needle-Stick Injury 5

Needle-stick Injury – What Should One Do? Do Be calm and cool Remove gloves, if appropriate Wash the exposed site thoroughly with running water Irrigate with water or saline solution if exposure sites are eyes or mouth Wash skin with soap and water Don’t Panic Put the pricked finger into the mouth Use alcohol, chlorine, bleach, betadine, iodine, or any other antiseptic on the wound 6 Contd…

Needle-stick Injury – What Should One Do? Post exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – Take antiretroviral medications as soon as possible after injury so that exposure will not result in HIV infection PEP should begin within 72 hours after exposure to needle-stick injury The closest ICTC from where PEP drugs are available should be contacted Treatment should continue for four weeks, if the person can tolerate it Contact /inform a supervisor (PM, counsellor of DIC)/doctor immediately Most cases of needle-stick injury by outreach staff are not reported; PM should routinely enquire in staff meetings 7

Role of the PM The PM should ensure: Regular planning and conducting of safe disposal of used N/S Guidelines are properly followed Provisions (gloves, puncture proof boxes, chemicals, etc.) are always available with buffer stocks Linkages with waste management agencies/hospitals (where available) are established and maintained Availability of PEP medicine (through linkage) Display of protocol for dealing with needle- stick injury Staff is trained on safe disposal, needle-stick injury 8

Thank You 9