In Afghanistan, we do not know the population preva- lence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. It could be high: HCV is common in injecting drug users
(36.6%) [4]; regional conflict in the last two decades has meant approximately eight million Afghan migrated to neighbouring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, where HIV is relatively common among injecting drug users [5]. With 5.7 million Afghan returning home dur- ing 2002-2006 the risk of an HIV epidemic is high [6]. In addition, illiteracy, poverty, and subjugation of women combined with political and social instability are likely to fuel an HIV epidemic in the country [7]. Under these circumstances, there is likely to be a significant risk of transmission of blood borne infections to health staff.