Safe Injection Global Network (SIGN) – Terms of Reference.doc

The Safe Injection Global Network (SIGN) A safe injection does not harm the recipient, does not expose the provider to any avoidable risks and does not result in waste that is dangerous for the community. Unsafe injection practices are increasingly recognised as a major source of infection with bloodborne pathogens. While it is the responsibility of all health care workers, their employers, the public, and national governments to ensure safe and appropriate use of injections, the prevention of bloodborne pathogen transmission and other adverse events associated with injections will require improved collaboration between organisations and individuals sharing a common interest in attaining this goal. To achieve this collaboration, the “Safe Injection Global Network” (SIGN) has been established. SIGN is a voluntary coalition of stakeholders aiming to achieve safe and appropriate use of injections throughout the world. The Blood Safety and Clinical Technology (BCT) department of the World Health Organisation (WHO) provides the secretariat for the network. 1. Terms of Reference for the Safe Injection Global Network (SIGN) Coalition (Draft Update, 24 October 2000) 1.1. Mission statement The mission of SIGN is to achieve safe and appropriate use of injections worldwide by concerted action under a common strategic framework. SIGN will initially focus on those procedures that contribute most to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. The SIGN participants agree to collaborate in the following areas: Proposing a strategic planning framework and updates for approval and adoption by each of the participants organizations and institutions; Developing proposals for evaluating activities within the strategic framework; Promoting the development and implementation of standards; Advocating; Promoting political commitment; Mobilising resources; Sharing information, ideas, and updates; Encouraging innovative, cost-effective solutions. 1.2. SIGN structure and function SIGN is made