Universal Basic Precautions (UBP) are crucial in the prevention of transmission of pathogenic
organisms like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B infection. It involves the routine use of appropriate barrier and
techniques to reduce the likelihood of exposure to blood, other body fluids and tissues that may
contain blood borne pathogens. This is not well understood and not thoroughly practiced by some
health professionals in parts of Nigeria, hence the need to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice
of medical practitioners as regards universal basic precautions in Benue State in the middle belt region
of Nigeria. In this research, a cross-sectional study was conducted on medical practitioners in Benue
State using a self administered questionnaire during continuing medical education meeting. The data
was analyzed using SPSS 16. The results show knowledge of universal basic precautions of 94.4% but
the actual practice is 70.5% among medical practitioners in Benue State of Nigeria. Some excuses for
non compliance include non availability of protective devices (face mask, goggles, aprons, boots and
surgical gloves), not all procedures are bloody and not all patients are positive for pathogenic
organisms. The study shows a gap between knowledge and practice of universal basic precautions.
There is need for the state governments, Nigeria Medical association, Non-governmental organisations
and other professional bodies to organize seminars on this important preventive measure so that health
care providers will properly protect themselves while caring for patients.