Prevention of hepatitis infections in health-care settings
Effective modes of transmission of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus include unsafe injection within health-care settings and in the community, and transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products.
Infection prevention by improving blood safety and instituting safe injection practices are core interventions in the Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis. WHO recommends the use of sterile single-use needles and syringes for all medical injections, and has published guidance on standard procedures for effective sterilization.
WHO also recommends that 100% of donated blood be screened for infections with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, as well as HIV and syphilis, to avoid the transmission of such infections from blood donors to patients through transfusion. WHO has developed an Action framework to advance universal access to safe, effective and quality-assured blood products 2020–2023.
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