Sedqa urges education on dangers of needles

Parents should educate their young children on the dangers of handling needles and syringes, the government agency against drug and alcohol abuse, Sedqa, said yesterday.

"Children should be taught not to touch needles and to report finding them to an appropriate, responsible adult (parent, school teacher, police officer etc) who should then arrange for the safe disposal of the needle in a puncture-proof, closed container," the agency said.

Sedqa made the statement following recent reports of a six-year-old boy who had injured himself on a needle.

It noted that a needle-stick injury, as such jabs are known, was devastating as it caused considerable anxiety, even though the actual risk of infection from discarded needles was low.

Pocketsize bins for the disposal of needles are available free of charge from health centres. Sedqa appealed to those who use needles to obtain these bins and use them.

In the meantime, councils have been offered free forceps by Sedqa for the collection of discarded syringes, along with containers provided by Sarrebico Medical Supplies.

"Unless all those involved uphold their responsibilities, syringes will continue to be disposed of somewhat recklessly. Sedqa is doing its utmost to correct this situation. Nevertheless, Sedqa alone cannot bring about the necessary changes."