Over 60% of Health Workers exposed to infectious fluids

A study by researchers from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi has uncovered a high rate of healthcare workers in the Greater Accra Region being exposed to potentially infectious body fluids through the eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin.

Published in the journal One Health, the 2026 study found that 61.8% of health workers surveyed had experienced such exposure, which carries risks of infections including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

The research, involving 602 participants, showed that nurses, midwives, and laboratory personnel were the most affected.

Lead researcher Philip Tawiah said his interest in the topic stemmed from personal experiences during laboratory internships in 2012, where he frequently observed health workers being splashed with bodily fluids.

He noted that although some workers used protective gear, accidents still occurred, and at times safety measures were not consistently followed. The risks he witnessed ultimately discouraged him from pursuing a hospital-based career.

The study also highlighted that factors such as shift rotations, long working hours, and staff shortages significantly increased the likelihood of exposure, with fatigue often leading to errors.

Findings further showed that regular use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, greatly reduced the chances of exposure.

Additionally, the research suggested that healthcare facilities with proper reporting systems tend to manage risks better over time through improved monitoring and safety practices.

The researchers are calling for stronger institutional policies, continuous training, and better staffing strategies to address the issue, stressing that safeguarding healthcare workers is critical to maintaining a resilient and safe health system in Ghana.