Vaccine body chooses Hindustan syringes for safe injections

The Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) has chosen Hindustan Syringes and Medical Devices Ltd to promote injection safety globally, with an initial focus on India. The announcement was made at the WEF, Davos.

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary, Gavi said it had chosen Hindustan Syringes and Medical Devices (HMD), touted among India’s largest indigenous medical devices manufacturer and also the largest manufacturer of auto-disposable (AD) syringes worldwide, along with Star Syringe Ltd, UK, for a knowledge-based partnership to promote injection safety globally, a note from HMD said.

Knowledge partner HMD will act as a knowledge partner initiating advocacy campaigns on injection safety. India’s implementation of AD-only use for therapeutic injections has been inconsistent so far — and it is believed that increasing awareness on the benefits of these injections would create more responsible health practices nationwide.

This three-way partnership will further Gavi’s leadership in ensuring injection safety for immunisation and will help support the upcoming WHO injection safety policy and campaign. The WHO is due to announce the third-ever Global Health Initiative on Needle Safety in Geneva next month.

Headquartered in Geneva, Gavi was created in 2000 bringing together public and private sectors with the goal of creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the poorest countries. It has received substantial financial support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other private philanthropists.