Strengthening capacities for An infection Prevention and management; an enormous push in direction of diminished outbreaks

In an effort to guard communities from illnesses ensuing from environmental and well being setting contamination, the Ministry of Well being, supported by the World Well being Group (WHO) and different companions, has launched into an bold mission. Supported by funding from america Company for Worldwide Growth (USAID), EU Humanitarian Assist (ECHO), and Resolve to Save Lives, the initiative goals to upscale an infection prevention and management (IPC) and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures in healthcare amenities to reduce the danger of an infection transmission and water-borne associated outbreaks.

Since 2020, South Sudan has been grappling with heavy rainfall and rising water ranges alongside the White Nile, which have led to large flooding in lots of components of the nation. This has had a profound affect on the healthcare system, affecting almost a million individuals and subsequently leading to widespread disruption to regular patterns of life within the affected places.

In response, WHO has intensified its help to the Ministry of Well being, specializing in implementing efficient IPC/WASH measures. This complete technique encompasses water high quality testing, hand hygiene promotion, healthcare waste administration, and the implementation of IPC tips by means of multimodal technique enchancment and customary working procedures. Moreover, consideration is given to addressing healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance, recognizing their significance within the present context.   

Regardless of the difficult circumstances, WHO has efficiently educated over 648 healthcare employees from 2023 to March 2024, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the healthcare system. These employees have been instrumental in bolstering the healthcare system’s resilience and deploying laboratory specialists and public well being officers nationwide to strengthen water high quality surveillance and sanitary inspection efforts, together with conducting onsite water high quality checks.

As a part of the intervention, a complete of 967 water samples had been collected and examined for bodily, bacteriological, and important chemical parameters, the take a look at was performed onsite and on the Nationwide Public Well being Laboratory in Juba. Findings revealed that 581 samples examined constructive with fecal Coliforms (E. coli), representing 60% of the contamination price of water factors throughout the nation. In response, WHO has taken swift motion, procuring and distributing over 1521 assorted IPC/WASH provides, together with color-coded waste bins, disinfectants, and water high quality testing gear, to a number of hotspot places and counties.

Reflecting on the challenges forward, Dr Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Consultant for South Sudan, stated, “In our efforts to scale back an infection and unnecessary dying as a result of infections, we place an infection prevention on the Centre stage of all our well being interventions.”

Dr Karamagi underscored WHO’s dedication to strengthening IPC applications, together with water high quality surveillance, and supporting the event and implementation of nationwide IPC tips throughout all ranges of healthcare amenities.

As a part of strengthening the IPC Programme, WHO is implementing measures to make sure steady technical help to the Ministry of Well being by constructing the capability of healthcare employees by means of refresher coaching, job mentorship, and giving strategic course for attaining the minimal necessities for IPC Packages. WHO can also be working intently with WASH and Well being Cluster Companions to enhance WASH in well being amenities and promote the implementation of Multi Modal Enchancment Methods and combine IPC into current well being constructions. This can go a great distance in bettering affected person outcomes and guaranteeing healthcare Employee safety. IPC have to be institutionalized and brought as an on a regular basis high quality course of in healthcare and never solely as an outbreak response measure.

Technical Contacts:

Mr Abraham Alberto Uyu Achier, E mail: achiera [at] who.int
Ms Lizzie Buyiswa Mazibuko, E mail: mazibukob [at] who.int