Implementing robust infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is crucial for delivering proper healthcare services to patients. IPC grounded in practical and evidence-based strategies protects patients and healthcare workers from preventable infections.
The Global One Health initiative (GOHi) has continuously trained healthcare workers and environmental cleaning providers, specifically focusing on those working in intensive care units. This project aims to effectively manage and reduce the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
IPC officers within the Target Preventative Units oversee staff performance in hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and implementing contact precautions through daily and weekly audits. Following discussions with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) GAIHN-AR project team and as part of the project's transition plan to hospitals, GOHi plans to involve selected hospital staff in the auditing process.
GOHi provided training on December 18 and 20, 2023 to 43 selected staff members from Zewditu Memorial Hospital and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The training covered conducting audits on hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and contact precautions, including guidance on how and when to perform audits and provide constructive feedback based on staff performance.