1. Prevention of Blood-Borne Pathogen Transmission in Egypt Ministry of Health and Population Arab Republic of Egypt

2. Blood-Borne Pathogen Transmission in Egypt Prevention of blood-borne pathogen transmission is a leading priority of the MOHP. Hepatitis-related chronic liver disease is a leading cause of disability and death. 10-15% of the population have HCV infection. Treatment of persons with HCV and HBV infection is a burden on the economy of Egypt.

3. Priorities in the Prevention of Blood-borne Pathogen Transmission in Egypt Recognition of infection control as an essential component of health care delivery Development of expertise and specialization in infection control Allocation of financial resources to promote infection control Education of health care workers in infection control practices

4. Promote Infection Control Practices Promote Safe Injection Practices Ensure Safe Transfusion Practices Develop Advocacy Strategy to Prevent Transmission of Blood-borne Pathogens in Egypt

5. Implementation of Strategy to Prevent Transmission of Blood-borne Pathogens Assess current practices Design intervention strategy Implement program Provide supervision and monitoring

6. Development of Interventions Review baseline assessment Summarize best practices Identify practical approaches and appropriateness of technology Review strategy with stakeholders

7. Implementation of Program at a National Level Develop and distribute national guidelines - infection control - safe injections (including AD syringes) - safe transfusions Promote occupational safety Training Ensure supervision and monitoring of program - develop an accreditation process Develop advocacy

8. Progress in Developing Advocacy Formation of a working group on Infection Control - MOHP - WHO - Ministry of Environmental Affairs - Medical syndicate - Academic institutions - NGOs and others

9. Terms of Reference I Working Group on Infection Control Coordinate support at national level Establish a forum to facilitate dialogue, coordinate resources, and exchange information on infection control Advise the MOHP in specific areas (technical expertise).

10. Terms of Reference II Working Group on Infection Control Assist the MOHP in developing appropriate guidelines and policies to prevent transmission of nosocomial infections (including blood- borne pathogens). Mobilize resources to develop and implement a plan to promote infection control. Monitor implementation of activities to promote infection control and safe injections.

11. Summary Egypt has a plan to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens Key elements include: - Infection control - Safe injections - Safe transfusions A broad coalition will ensure successful implementation