Analyzing infection prevention and control program in Egyptian university hospitals: strengths and areas for improvement.

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs are important to control the Lassa Fever (LF) outbreak. We reported IPC's status at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, southwest Nigeria, before and after implementing the IPC program during a surge in the LF outbreak. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal observational study among five health care professionals at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, between February 2019 and May 2019 using the IPC Assessment Framework (IPCAF). The tool has eight core components with a score of 0-100 per component and provided a baseline assessment of the IPC program and evaluation after three months. We interviewed relevant unit heads and IPC committee members in the first phase. In the second phase, we designed and implemented the IPC program, and in the third phase, we conducted a repeat interview similar to the first phase. The program initiated included training healthcare workers and providing relevant IPC items according to identified gaps and available funding. Results: We interviewed five health care professionals, two female nurses, and three male doctors responsible for organizing and implementing IPC activities at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, with an in-depth understanding of IPC activities. The overall IPC level score increased from 318.5 at baseline to 545 at three months later. IPC improvements were reported in all the components, with IPC education and training [baseline (20), final (70)], IPC guidelines [baseline (50), final (92.5)] and monitoring/audits of IPC practices and feedback [baseline (40), final (82.5)] recording the highest improvements. Healthcare-associated infection [baseline (10), final (25)], and built environment, materials, and equipment for IPC [baseline (43.5), final (55)] had the least improvement. Poor motivation to adopt recommended changes among hospital staff were major issues preventing improvements. Conclusion: Promotion of IPC program and activities should be implemented at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo. References World Health Organization, WHO. Lassa fever. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/lassa-fever/#tab=tab_1. [Accessed on 11 October 2020] Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. Lassa fever. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/factsheet/47. [Accessed on 11 October 2020]. World Health Organization, WHO. Lassa fever. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lassa-fever. [Accessed on 11 October 2020]. Ijarotimi IT, Ilesanmi OS, Aderinwale A, Abiodun-Adewusi O, Okon IM. Knowledge of Lassa fever and use of infection prevention and control facilities among health care workers during Lassa fever outbreak in Ondo state, Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J. 2018; 30:1-13. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2018.30.56.13125 Mateer EJ, Huang C, Shehu NY, Paessler S. Lassa fever–induced sensorineural hearing loss: A neglected public health and social burden. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2018;12(2):1-11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006187 Ijarotimi I., Oladejo J., Nasidi A, Jegede O. Lassa fever in the State Specialist Hospital Akure, Nigeria: Case report, Contact tracing and outcome of hospital contacts. Int J Infect Trop Dis. 2016;3(1):20-28. https://doi.org/10.14194/ijitd.3.1.4 Ireye F, Ejiyere H, Aigbiremolen AO, Famiyesin OE, Rowland-Udoh EA, Ogeyemhe CO, Okudo I, Onimisi AB. Knowledge, attitude and infection prevention and control practices regarding Lassa fever among healthcare workers in Edo State, Nigeria. Int J Prev Treat. 2019;8(1):21-27. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijpt.20190801.03 World Health Organization. Infection prevention and control assessment framework at the facility level. 2018; 2016:1-15. Available from: https://www.who.int/infection-prevention/tools/core-components/IPCAF-facility.PDF?ua=1 [Accessed on 11 October 2020]. World Health Organization, WHO. Communicable disease surveillance and response systems - Guide to monitoring and evaluating. Epidemic and pandemic alert and response. Published online 2006:90. doi: rr5305a1 [pii] Ousman K, Kabego L, Talisuna A, Diaz J, Mbuyi J, Houndjo B, et al. The impact of Infection Prevention and control (IPC) bundle implementation on IPC compliance during the Ebola virus outbreak in Mbandaka/Democratic Republic of the Congo: A before and after design. BMJ Open. 2019;9(9):1-6. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029717 Nzinga J, Mbindyo P, Mbaabu L, Warira A, English M. Documenting the experiences of health workers expected to implement guidelines during an intervention study in Kenyan hospitals. Implement Sci. 2009;4(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-4-44. Ataiyero Y, Dyson J, Graham M. Barriers to hand hygiene practices among health care workers in sub-Saharan African countries: A narrative review. Am J Infect Control. 2019 May;47(5):565-573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2018.09.014. Gilbert GL, Kerridge I. The politics and ethics of hospital infection prevention and control: a qualitative case study of senior clinicians’ perceptions of professional and cultural factors that influence doctors’ attitudes and practices in a large Australian hospital. BMC Health Serv Res. 2019; 19(212). https://doi.org/1186/s12913-019-4044-y.

The Implementation of Key Components of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program at the national level is designed to support countries and health care institutions in developing and strengthening IPC programs and strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI). In order to comprehensively assess the implementation of IPC programs at the national level, the World Health Organization developed the Infection Control Assessment Tool (IPCAT2). The objective of IPCAT2 is to provide technical assistance to countries to determine which core components of IPC are implemented, as well as to identify gaps or weaknesses in the key components of IPC Aim - is to conduct a comparative assessment of the national IPC program at the national level in Ukraine. Materials and methods. In order to assess the implementation of key components of the IPC program in Ukraine, IPCAT2 was used and the national program was assessed in 2018, 2021 and 2023 by analyzing existing regulatory and technical documents. Results. The assessment of the national IPC program at the national level in Ukraine demonstrated the strengthening of the national program from 17.5% in 2018 to 59.8% implementation in 2023. According to the results of the assessment in 2023, the implementation of the IPC Program was 96% of the recommended indicator, the implementation of the IPC Guidelines - 56%, the IPC Education and Training component - 38%, Epidemiological surveillance for HAI - 73%, IPC Multimodal strategies - 63%, IPC Monitoring and feedback - 33%. The greatest progress is noted in the implementation of the national IPC program, IPC guidelines and the implementation of multimodal approaches. The least implemented aspects are education, training and monitoring of IPC. Conclusions. The IPC program assessment with the IPCAT2 tool is a useful tool for optimizing and strengthening IPC at the national level. The assessment helped to form priority areas for the development of the IPC program in Ukraine. The author declares no conflict of interest.

WHO's first global infection prevention and control report

Background: The 10th outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been ongoing since August 2018. It is the largestever outbreak reported in the country and the world's second largest in history. It has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 July 2019. The outbreak is ongoing in a densely-populated region, which is also experiencing a long-lasting humanitarian and security crisis. The affected region is characterised by insufficient prevention control practices in many health facilities and persistent reluctance in the community to accept response activities. Infection Prevention and Control and Hand Hygiene programmes were implemented in 10 hospitals to contribute in EVD containment and improving patient and healthcare personnel safety. The study aimed to evaluate whether the implementation of infection prevention and control programme in healthcare facilities improves the level of EVD preparedness and response. Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in ten hospitals of Goma EVD sub coordination, north Kivu Province between April and October 2019. Infection Prevention and Control and Hand Hygiene programmes were implemented in 10 hospitals in North-Kivu province in DRC. The main activities were: baseline and impact assessments of IPC and hand hygiene programmes, baseline and impact assessments of hand hygiene practices (direct observation) for frontline healthcare workers, setting up hospital IPC committee and nomination of hospital IPC focal point, briefing of the IPC committee members and IPC focal point on their roles and responsibilities, a 5 day IPC training workshop for hospital senior managers, IPC committee members and IPC focal point. Data was analysed using Ms Excel. Results: IPC programme baseline assessment demonstrated that 80% (8/10) of hospitals were at inadequate level, 20% (2/10) of hospitals were at basic level. Regarding hand hygiene programme, 80% (8/10) of hospitals were at inadequate level and 20% (2/10) of hospitals were at basic level. The findings from Hand hygiene practice baseline were: overall hand hygiene compliance was 33.1% (898/2713). All the 10 hospitals improved their hospital IPC level from inadequate level (8 hospitals) and basic level (2 hospitals) to intermediate level. Regarding hand hygiene programme, there were 4 hospitals that achieved advanced level, 5 hospitals achieved intermediate level and one hospital achieved basic level. During post-intervention assessment, hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals improved significantly, whereby overall hand hygiene compliance improved from 33.1 (898/2713) to 70.5% (4368/6197). Conclusion: The best way to combat outbreaks including EVD in any country of the world is to strengthen its health systems with focus on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programme. Implementation of IPC and hand hygiene programmes in healthcare facilities in North-Kivu Province in DRC helped was a key in defeating EVD outbreak in Goma and it proved how important is to invest on health systems strengthening and IPC programme. IPC and Hand hygiene programmes should be integrated into preservice training for all health professionals. Communities should be engaged in IPC and hand hygiene programmes to ensure sustainability and ownship.

Infection prevention and control, lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and what happens next?

BackgroundComprehensive infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes are proven to reduce the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, published assessments of IPC programmes against the World Health Organization (WHO) IPC Core Components in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) at the national and acute healthcare facility level are currently unavailable.MethodsFrom January 2022 to April 2023, a multi-country, cross-sectional study was conducted in PICTs. The self reporting survey was based on the WHO Infection Prevention Assessment Framework (IPCAF) that supports implementing the minimum requirements of the WHO eight core components of IPC programmes at both the national and facility level. The results were presented as a ‘traffic light’ (present, in progress, not present) matrix. Each PICT’s overall status in achieving IPC core components was summarised using descriptive statistics.ResultsFifteen PICTs participated in this study. Ten (67%) PICTs had national IPC programmes, supported mainly by IPC focal points (87%, n = 13), updated national IPC guidelines (80%, n = 12), IPC monitoring and feedback mechanisms (80%, n = 12), and waste management plans (87%, n = 13). Significant gaps were identified in education and training (20%, n = 3). Despite being a defined component in 67% (n = 10) of national IPC programmes, HAI surveillance and monitoring was the lowest scoring core component (13%, n = 2). National and facility level IPC guidelines had been adapted and implemented in 67% (n = 10) PICTs; however, only 40% (n = 6) of PICTs had a dedicated IPC budget, 40% (n = 6) had multimodal strategies for IPC, and 33% (n = 5) had daily environmental cleaning records.ConclusionsIdentifying IPC strengths, gaps, and challenges across PICTs will inform future IPC programme priorities and contribute to regional efforts in strengthening IPC capacity. This will promote global public health through the prevention of HAIs and AMR.

Strong infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes are critical to reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), yet many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack functional IPC programmes at national and health facility levels. Nigeria prioritised the development of a national programme to provide leadership and coordination for IPC activities throughout the country’s healthcare system following a series of outbreaks and gaps identified during the development of the National Action Plan for AMR. We aim to describe the stepwise, evidence-based approach we used to establish and implement Nigeria’s National IPC Programme during its first 5 years. This includes the formation and structure of the IPC Programme within the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention; assessment of national and tertiary health facility-level IPC programmes to prioritise interventions; development of a structured implementation strategy (the ‘Turn Nigeria Orange’ programme); publication of national IPC guidelines and revision of the national IPC policy; collaboration with a local university and professional societies to establish a national IPC curriculum and IPC training and mentorship programmes; and establishment of a network of health facilities to strengthen facility-level implementation (the ‘Orange Network’). The development of each was guided by the WHO’s core components of IPC programmes, evidence-based guidelines which aim to inform the development of effective IPC programmes. The implementation approaches, successes and challenges that we share add to the limited existing literature and can serve as a practical example for other countries, particularly LMICs when establishing and implementing IPC programmes.

Transplantation services in Ukraine are a rapidly developing area of healthcare. It is important to ensure the implementation of best practices in infection prevention and control (IPC) at the national and institutional levels to minimize the risk of complications. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are common adverse event in transplant settings due to the various risk factors patients face, including immunosuppression, long and complex surgical procedures, and a number of other factors. Аim - to analyze the IPC programs in Ukrainian healthcare institutions providing transplantation services. Materials and methods. To assess the implementation of IPC programs at the facility level, a special questionnaire was developed for 31 centers and ten visits were conducted to transplant centers to analyze current practices. Results. The following key components of IPC are best implemented in most hospitals: IPC environment, IPC materials and equipment, IPC guidelines. HAIs surveillance, multimodal strategies, monitoring of IPC practices, and IPC training in most of the transplant centers assessed need improvement. Not all health care facilities have access to 24-hour bacteriological laboratory services. In over 30% of transplant centers, reprocessing of medical equipment is carried out in inadequate conditions. 58% of operating rooms meet ISO (International Organization for Standardization) cleanroom class 6 requirements, 75% of patient rooms meet cleanroom standards. Conclusions. The analysis of the IPC program in Ukrainian healthcare institutions providing transplantation services demonstrated heterogeneity in the implementation of IPC measures and significant challenges that healthcare institutions are facing. Priority areas for the development of the IPC program in transplant centers in Ukraine were identified. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to implementing an infection prevention and control (IPC) programme in three public district hospitals in Tamil Nadu by interviewing key stakeholders involved in the roll-out of the programme. Materials and methods: Investigators conducted interviews (n = 17) with chief medical officers (CMOs), physicians, and IPC nurses at three secondary public district hospitals and their affiliated primary health centres (PHCs). Results: Six major themes emerged from the interviews: (1) prevalent IPC practices before the programme began; (2) barriers to implementation; (3) perceptions of the effectiveness of the IPC programme; (4) suggestions for future expansion of the programme; (5) the role of healthcare sanitation workers, and (6) water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure. Stakeholders noted improvements in IPC knowledge, infection control related behaviour, and overall healthcare quality in the three hospitals. In regards to the future of this programme, stakeholders noted the need for more institutional support, a staff nurse solely dedicated to IPC, and the continued training of all staff members. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the importance of having high-functioning WaSH infrastructure and training for hospital sanitary workers in order to have an effective IPC programme. While the scale-up of this IPC programme is warranted, the barriers to implementation outlined in this study should be considered. To achieve a more effective IPC programme, we suggest that the following steps be carried out: (1) dedicate at least one full-time nurse to implementing IPC activities at each district hospital; (2) ensure that state and national policies for IPC are synchronised, and (3) provide sufficient and consistent funding for IPC activities.

Background Little is known about the development of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs in Latin American hospitals despite alarming rates of multidrug resistant healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the region. The aim of this study was to identify gaps in implementation of hospital IPC programs in Latin America. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-assessment tool (Spanish version) adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) in March 2022. The survey was deployed to 40 hospitals in Panama, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina through a regional research network. The instrument has 8 components (score 0-100), with 800 as maximum overall score. Facility IPC program implementation is categorized into four levels based on the final score: inadequate (0–200), basic (201–400), intermediate (401–600), or advanced (601–800). Median scores, overall and by component, were calculated. Additionally, for each question, we estimated the proportion of hospitals that met criteria stratified by private and public hospitals. Results Thirty five hospitals (14 private and 21 public) completed the evaluation (88% response rate), 83% were academic, and 14% were < 110 bed-hospitals. Overall, 57% of hospitals fell in the “Advanced” category (percentile [p]10: 518; p 50 614; p90 744). The median score for each component is shown in the Figure. IPC education and training, and workload, staffing and bed occupancy had the lowest median scores (Figure). In general, public hospitals had lower scores than private hospitals (Figure). Most hospitals performed surveillance for HAIs and hand hygiene, although fewer monitored compliance with adherence to prevention bundles or communicate these data to front-line workers. Additional gaps were identified, principally between private and public hospitals (Table). Figure: Median score for individual IPCAF component for all hospitals, private and public heathcare facilities. Conclusion While most participating hospitals were considered “advanced” based on the IPCAF score, several gaps were identified, which differed between public and private hospitals. Insufficient IPC education and training, workload, staffing and bed occupancy, multimodal strategies and lack of leadership support may be barriers to effective IPC programs in the region. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a critical global health issue contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), surveillance, and infection prevention and control (IPC) programs have been established and implemented to mitigate this crisis. Alongside this, advancements in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning have enhanced academic tone and readability in combating AMR. This study employed a comprehensive narrative review approach to provide detailed evidence of AMS programs initiated to address AMR across One-Health sectors (human, animal, plant, and environmental health). Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to assess the global implementation of AMS, surveillance, and IPC programs, nanotechnology, and AI aimed at curtailing the rising prevalence of AMR. We also focused on the impacts of these AMS programs across diverse populations and settings. Relevant literature published between January 1995 and June 2025 was extracted from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Results: The findings of this review demonstrate that AMS, surveillance, and IPC programs have been successfully established and implemented in some hospitals, community pharmacies, academic institutions, communities, and animal health. These programs have significantly promoted the rational use of antimicrobials in the One Health sector, prevented infections, reduced the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, improved adherence to treatment guidelines, awareness and knowledge of AMR, and patient outcomes. Advancements in technology, including nanotechnology and AI/machine learning, have shown promise in enhancing AMS and surveillance programs aimed at combating AMR. However, there is a dearth of empirical data on AMS activities within the environmental and animal health sectors, pointing out a critical gap in the One Health approach to AMR mitigation. Conclusions: This review underscores the importance of developing and implementing AMS, surveillance, and IPC programs as effective strategies to combat AMR using a One Health approach. Consequently, the study found very little information regarding AMS activities in the animal and environmental health sectors despite global problems as climate change. Notably, this study emphasizes the importance of embracing nanotechnology and AI within the healthcare system as innovative tools to combat AMR. It further highlights the need to promote integrated AMS, IPC, and surveillance programs across the One Health continuum, leveraging all available strategies to effectively combat AMR.

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a clinical and public health discipline based on a scientific approach and practical preventive and control measures. During the 2014–2016 West African Ebola outbreak, the high number of healthcare worker infections was attributed to inadequate IPC in Sierra Leone. This stimulated the establishment of national and subnational IPC programs. Since then, IPC has remained a priority to improve the health systems and strategic interventions during public health emergencies. Therefore, we conducted a detailed review to assess the status of the IPC programs. Methods: A descriptive analysis of the status of IPC programs in Sierra Leone was done using data from IPC assessments conducted in 2022 by the national IPC team, reviews of reports on program implementation, and experts’ objective opinions. Results:Performance. The national IPC assessment revealed strengths in 4 of 6 WHO IPC core components, with an overall score of 61% positioned at the ‘intermediate’ level of implementation. The best-performing component was ‘IPC guidelines’ (92%) with evidenced-based guidelines being developed and implemented over the years. Secondly, ‘Education and training’ (71%) made progress in basic and advanced IPC training, including the development of a preservice training curriculum. Also, ‘monitoring and audit and feedback’ (69%) and ‘IPC program’ (61%) met the basic requirements of an established Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system. Similar progress was made at the healthcare facility level, but with major gaps in ‘workload, staffing, bed-occupancy’ and ‘safe or built environment.’ Sustainability efforts. Evidence-based data on IPC have always been scarce due to a limited capacity to conduct IPC research. The Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT-IT) on antimicrobial resistance has helped promote evidence-informed decisions and build OR capacity that is relevant to improving program performance. In 2019, Sierra Leone instituted in-country production of alcohol-based handrub and liquid soap as a strategic intervention for providing hand hygiene products for use in healthcare facilities. This intervention was essential during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although most aspects of IPC implementation are government led with strong leadership support, stable funding and sustainability planning are yet to be achieved and will be crucial for long-term success. Conclusions: Most aspects of the IPC core components have been well implemented at the national level since the establishment of the IPC program. However, the program should continue improving the scope and quality of implementation and focus on the development of long-term plans to sustain existing gains and further improve on gap areas at the national level and especially the healthcare-facility level.Disclosures: None

Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs are essential for reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), improving patient safety, and strengthening health systems. In low-resource settings, inadequate IPC capacity remains a major challenge, particularly at primary healthcare facilities that serve as the first point of contact in the health system. This study assessed IPC practices and capacity in healthcare facilities in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality using the World Health Organization (WHO) Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at primary healthcare facilities in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality. Eighteen facilities were targeted for participation; 13 consented, yielding a response rate of 72.2%. Data were collected using the WHO IPCAF tool, which assesses eight core IPC components. Descriptive statistics summarized facility characteristics, IPCAF scores, and IPC capacity levels. Most facilities [69.2% (95% CI: 42.3-88.6%, n = 9)] were classified as intermediate IPC level, while 15.4% (95% CI: 3.3-40.9%, n = 2) were inadequate, and 7.7% (95% CI: 0.8-30.7%, n = 1) each were categorized as basic and advanced. The overall median IPCAF score was 452.5 (IQR: 425.0-471.0), indicating intermediate IPC capacity. Higher median scores were observed for IPC programs, IPC guidelines, and the built environment, materials, and equipment domains, whereas HAI surveillance had the lowest median score. IPC education and training, as well as workload, staffing, and bed occupancy, scored below 50. All facilities had an IPC program in place; however, only 46.2% had clearly defined objectives and annual activity plans. IPC committees were present in 76.9% of facilities, and senior leadership participation was reported in 92.3%. Institutional budgetary support for IPC was available in only 15.4% of facilities. Healthcare facilities in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality predominantly had intermediate IPC capacity, with notable gaps in HAI surveillance, staffing, training, and institutional financial support. Strengthening these areas is essential to improve IPC capacity and enhance patient safety in resource-limited healthcare settings.

Aim of the study was to assess the current state of implementating key aspects of infection prevention and control (IPC) in Armenian hospitals, defined by the main WHO components, using the survey tool IPCAF (Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework). Materials and methods. 113 hospitals were involved in the study. All participants filled out the IPCAF questionnaire, consisting of 8 sections (each rated up to 100 points) devoted to various IPC aspects. Depending on the total final score, IPC programs were divided into the following categories: advanced (601800 points), intermediate (401600 points), basic (201400 points) and inadequate (0200 points). The study conducted a descriptive analysis of the overall IPCAF score as well as score evaluation of the relevant core components and some selected questions of particular interest. Results. The 2021 total average score for all IPCAF components for all hospitals in Armenia is 578.07.9 points, which is currently regarded as an intermediate level. At the same time, 47 (41.6%) hospitals were assigned to the advanced category, 63 (55.7%) to the average category and 3 (2.7%) to the basic category. Analysis of the main IPC components (CC, Core component) revealed that the maximum average scores were obtained for the components CC2 (IPC Guidelines) 80.8 points, CC8 (Creating a safe environment in medical premises, as well as materials and equipment for IPC) 75.5 points and CC7 (Workload, staffing and number of beds) 75.2 points. The lowest average scores were obtained for the key components: CC4 (Surveillance for healthcare-associated infections) with 54.7 points and CC3 (IPC education and training) with 59.5 points. Conclusion. Legislative and practical changes implemented in the real world during the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic have significantly contributed to improved scores for many key components of IPC programs. The study found that the IPCAF is a useful tool for assessing IPC standards and identifying gaps, regardless of a country economic development level. In our opinion, the re-use of IPCAF in all medical institutions should be encouraged, which is important for monitoring changes and trends in IPC, as well as proposing individual strategies in the development and improvement of IPC.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries are evolving. The objective was to characterize IPC personnel and programs in MENA countries, with special emphasis on the differences between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and non-GCC countries. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2019 among IPC members of the Arab Countries Infection Control Network (AcicN). The survey focused on three domains; demographic and professional characteristics, organizational structure, and IPC program characteristics. A total of 269 participants aged 39.9 ± 8.4 years were included in the study. Majority of the participants were females (67.7%), nurses (63.7%), and of Middle-Eastern origin (57.3%). 32.2% of the participants were certified by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). Only 22.7% of participants were satisfied with their current compensation. Surveillance was the most time-consuming task (26.6%), followed by isolation (12.4%), and investigation of outbreaks (12.1%). Majority of the facilities had at least one IPC personnel per 100 beds (60.9%), supported IPC program (63.9%), a formal IPC committee (93.7%), and an IPC plan (91.4%). Compared with non-GCC countries, GCC countries had significantly more frequent CBIC certification (p = 0.003), training in cleaning/sterilization (p = 0.010), supported IPC program (p = 0.010), formal IPC committee (p = 0.001), IPC plan (p = 0.001), and higher number of IPC personnel per 100 beds (p = 0.047). MENA countries had generally satisfactory IPC programs and to a lesser extent staffing, with considerable variability between countries with different resources.