Leveraging ebola viral disease emergency preparedness for infection prevention and control in health care facilities

Abstract

Background: In August 2018, the Democratic Republic of Congo notified an ebola viral heamorhagice (EVD) outbreak. In response, Uganda strengthened emergency preparedness efforts in preparation for any spillover of the outbreak, particularly in the Albertine, South Western region, Rwenzori and West Nile. In particular, infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions were strengthened in addition to other key interventions. We evaluated the response towards IPC during the EVD preparedness. Methods and materials: We conducted a desk review of the meeting proceedings for the EVD preparedness and response efforts by the National Task Force. We specifically looked at the efforts that were put in place concerning IPC. Results: At the beginning of the outbreak there was lack of sanitation facilities in places like the screening points, including lack of reliable and quality water supply. Waste segregation was not appropriate and there were no hand washing facilities at in most health facilities as well as lack of IPC guidelines. In response, the following interventions were put in place; (i) Mentoring of health workers on chlorine preparation and hand hygiene. (ii) Assessment of IPC in health facilities were carried out in order to guide the action plan. These assessments were regularly conducted depending on the situation and these included, both internal and external evaluation of the progress. The IPC assessments also included evaluation for hand washing on the different units of the health facilities. (iii) There are also CMEs on IPC including waste management and including distribution of information education materials. (iv) IPC committees in health facilities and at the district were constituted or revived. Gate keepers were utilized to foster hand washing by having the hand washing facilities at the gates, to ensure that every one coming in the facility washes their hands. Conclusion: Emergence preparedness strengthened the IPC in the affected health facilities, particularly the promotion of hand washing facilities and promoted the use of alcohol hand rub. This could potentially improve hand hygiene in health care facilities-including community members. Capacity built should be maintained for overall healthcare safety.