Marc Koska (OBE) is a British businessman and innovator, best known for inventing the non-reusable K1 auto-disable syringe, thus preventing the medical transmission of blood-borne diseases.

Marc Koska (OBE) is a British businessman and innovator, best known for inventing the non-reusable K1 auto-disable syringe, thus preventing the medical transmission of blood-borne diseases.

In 1984 Marc read a newspaper article predicting the transmission of HIV through the reuse of needles and syringes. Fascinated and shocked by the epidemic, he vowed to do something about it. After studying how drug addicts use syringes in the UK, he went to Geneva to learn about Public Health Policy, visited several syringe factories, studied plastic injection moulding, and read everything available on the transmission of viruses such as HIV.

After a year of intense study, Marc concluded that syringe manufacture was the key to the problem. He designed a syringe (K1) that could be made on existing equipment with a small modification. It was made from the same materials and could be used in the same way as a normal syringe so that healthcare professionals would not have to retrain. The idea behind the K1 syringes is that it cannot be used again therefore ensuring every user would also have a sterile and safe injection.

Marc also recognised that new syringes were only one part of the solution. One must also teach the public about the dangers of reusing needles. In 2006 he founded The SafePoint Trust, a registered charity dedicated to educating children about this issue.

Marc also ran one of the biggest public information campaigns in India that succeeded in informing 509 Million people and mandating the use of AD syringes only.

Marc's inspiring and courageous story is sure to engage, fascinate and encourage and audiences at your next event.