Infection Prevention and Control Initiatives to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, East Africa

Abstract

The coronavirus disease pandemic has highlighted the need to establish and maintain strong infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, not only to prevent healthcare-associated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to healthcare workers and patients but also to prevent disruptions of essential healthcare services. In East Africa, where basic IPC capacity in healthcare facilities is limited, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supported rapid IPC capacity building in healthcare facilities in 4 target countries: Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. CDC supported IPC capacity-building initiatives at the healthcare facility and national levels according to each country’s specific needs, priorities, available resources, and existing IPC capacity and systems. In addition, CDC established a multicountry learning network to strengthen hospital level IPC, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning. We present an overview of the key strategies used to strengthen IPC in these countries and lessons learned from implementation.

Unveiling the Symbiosis of Environmental Sustainability and Infection Control in Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review

“…Among the twelve studies analyzed [33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44], in the risk of bias assessment of the included studies, varying degrees of bias risk are observed, reflecting the diversity of study designs (Figure 2). Several studies, such as Lee et al ( 2022 2021) inherently exhibit some concerns regarding randomization but generally show low risk across other bias domains [38].…”

“…Several studies underscore the significance of robust infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. Saadeh et al (2022) [43] and Gomes et al (2022) [35] emphasize the need for improvements in IPC, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, to protect both patients and healthcare workers. Furthermore, Talaat et al ( 2016) [34] and Hamam et al (2021) [40] highlight the importance of surveillance systems in understanding infection patterns and guiding effective IPC strategies.…”

Impact of a pandemic shock on unmet medical needs of middle-aged and older adults in 10 countries

“…In the postpandemic era, the WHO also needs to assume greater international responsibilities in this field and rebuild trust among the people to prepare for the next pandemic 51. The results of our study once again highlights the need for countries all over the world to take every opportunity to build resilient health systems and all-hazards emergency risk management based on a strong primary healthcare foundation and rebuild the health systems sustainably, more equitably and closer to communities 52…”

“…51 The results of our study once again highlights the need for countries all over the world to take every opportunity to build resilient health systems and all-hazards emergency risk management based on a strong primary healthcare foundation and rebuild the health systems sustainably, more equitably and closer to communities. 52 There are also some shortcomings in this study. First, several potential confounders, such as the objective medical conditions of participants that were not controlled because of data accessibility, may have had some impact on the results.…”

Global Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Kimani et al assessed IPC strategies and health facility readiness for responding to COVID-19 in Kenya, providing important data to guide IPC improvements ( 32 ). Gomes et al described initiatives to strengthen IPC in healthcare facilities in 4 countries for the prevention of healthcare-associated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 ( 33 ).…”