Studies conducted in Mongolia have shown that over 50% of health care workers are infected with Hepatitis B or C or both. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that one of the leading forms of transmission for Hepatitis B in Mongolia, commonly called the “injection disease”, is health care facilities.  The best way to prevent the transmission of Hepatitis in the health care facilities is through proper health and safety practices and waste management procedures.

Inherent to the delivery of health care is the generation of potentially infectious waste materials. If these wastes are not handled and processed appropriately, they can present an infection risk (e.g. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV) to health care workers, waste handlers, and the public. As a result, adherence to proper medical waste management practices, such as those set forward by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, is imperative.

During our Knowledge Aptitude and Practice (KAP) survey of 400 health care workers, we learned that many health care workers and waste handlers are stuck with needles as many as 40 times a month during the process of inappropriately transferring needles from regulation sharp box to temporary transport containers. These temporary transport containers are often carried on public transport to a disposal facility, open burned or buried underground behind the clinic with chemical disinfectants poured on the covered hole.

Program Description

1. In cooperation with Mongolian Ministry of Health (MoH), World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International and the Rotary Club Selbe, FIRE will:

2. Training on safety and health practices inclusive of blood borne pathogens awareness and needle stick prevention strategies and proper medical waste management in healthcare facilities;

3. The universal implementation of the use of safety boxes, starting with Khenti Aimag Hospital as a pilot project.

Volunteer Opportunities
Training Material Development - We are currently creating our training materials. Please lets know if you would like to assist with this development.
Travel to Mongolia - You can assist with training for two week intervals. Please contact us for more information.
Resource Development - We are actively looking for funding and possible vaccine suppliers for this program.

For More Information please visit the following links: Full HSWM Program Description / Mongolian Medical System