PATH is an international nonprofit organization that creates sustainable, culturally relevant solutions, enabling communities worldwide to break longstanding cycles of poor health. By collaborating with diverse public- and private-sector partners, we help provide appropriate health technologies and vital strategies that change the way people think and act. Our work improves global health and well-being.

Our mission is to improve the health of people around the world by:

• Advancing technologies.

• Strengthening systems.

• Encouraging healthy behaviors.

PATH is a pioneer in developing and introducing innovative technologies that make it easier to safely handle and dispose of medical waste. We look for ways to take syringes out of action from the second after they’re used until incineration has permanently disarmed them. Our experts develop and advance technologies that:

• Make needle reuse impossible. Autodisable syringes, like our SoloShot™ device, cannot be used more than once—and therefore cannot carry infection from one patient to another. Under the US Agency for International Development–funded HealthTech program, PATH both develops these devices and collaborates with the private sector to make sure they are affordable and available in low-resource settings.

• Take the sharp out of sharps waste. Needle removers “de-fang” syringes, immediately removing the needles after injection and isolating them in secure containers. The syringe cannot be reused, and there’s no risk of accidental needlesticks. PATH works with private-sector manufacturers to evaluate and improve needle removers that are already on the market, so that these tools reach the health workers and clinics where they’re most needed.

• Keep needles away from vulnerable hands. Special stickproof containers capture used needles and other medical waste until they can be destroyed. PATH is working to increase access to these “safety boxes,” identifying low-cost options and making them available for all types of injections.