COVID-19 control in Niger: an assessment of infection prevention and control practices at healthcare facilities in the city of Niamey

Abstract

Niger has been facing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since 19th March 2020. In this article we report an assessment of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices at healthcare facilities in the city of Niamey in Niger and propose solutions. This assessment focused on the 12 themes contained in the World Health Organization IPC assessment framework for healthcare facilities. The assessment was conducted in 83 public and private healthcare facilities, which represent 60% of healthcare facilities in the city of Niamey. At the level of tertiary healthcare facilities, the overall IPC score was 75% which represents a moderate level of compliance with recommended IPC practices. At the level of private healthcare facilities, the overall score was 53%; also, a moderate level of performance. Finally, the overall IPC score was 45% at primary public healthcare facilities; which shows a very low level of adherence to IPC recommendations. IPC practices in public and private healthcare facilities in Niamey remain a challenge for healthcare authorities. Developing a tailored restorative plan would be helpful in meeting this challenge.