Introduction: A disparate number of occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens occur in low-income countries where disease prevalence is high and healthcare provider–per-population ratios are low.
Methods: In an effort to highlight the important role of healthcare worker safety in surgical capacity building in Rwanda, we measured self-reported presence of safety materials and compliance with personal protective equipment in the operating theatre as part of a nationwide survey to characterize emergency and essential surgical capacity in all government hospitals.
Results: We surveyed 44 hospitals. While staff report general availability of safe disposal of sharps and hazardous waste, presence of and compliance with eye protection was lacking. Staff were cognizant of prevention measures such as double-gloving and ‘safe receptacles’, as well as hospital policies for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV following needlesticks, but there was little awareness of hepatitis exposure.
Conclusions: Healthcare worker safety should be a key component of hospital-level surgical capacity.