Improved injection safety after targeted interventions in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Objectives: Concerns about unsafe injection practices and possible infections with blood-borne pathogens in the Syrian Arab Republic motivated an assessment of the injection safety situation in the country in July 2001. In light of the recommendations from this assessment, the Ministry of Health of Syria, with the assistance of WHO, implemented a set of activities under the 'Focus Project', which aims to ensure immunization safety. The first phase of the project ran from May 2002 to February 2004, and consisted of the improved provision of injection safety equipment and supplies, the elaboration and wide distribution of national guidelines on injection safety and safe waste management, a behaviour change and communication campaign targeting the general public, and comprehensive training of healthcare workers.