Protecting health workers from biological hazards: Success stories and good practices in Venezuela

In 2003, WHO conducted a pilot in Vietnam, Tanzania and South Africa, producing the toolkit “Protecting Health Care Workers (HCWs) from Needlestick injuries",WHO Collaborating Centers are working with WHO Regional Offices, governments and Public Health Institutions and cooperating countries in implementing the “Preventing Occupational Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens among HCWs” project. In 2007 in Venezuela, the "Instituto de altos Estudios Superiores" (IAES) led a pilot project in the Aragua State. Currently 725 healthcare facilities and 8 universities in all 23 states participate. More outcomes include: 242 health & safety committees, 75% HCWs immunized, 50% reporting NSI, and 6,758 trainers educated about 35,000 HCWs.