By Edward Makuzva
Harare, Zimbabwe – In a significant milestone in the country’s fight against infectious diseases, Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN) has launched a state-of-the-art hub aimed at strengthening infection prevention and control.
“Today is the day we launch ICAN Southern Region Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Hub which is an important hub for making sure that Southern Region IPC Hub member countries do have standardized infection control courses.
“The hub trains and capacitate health and care workers locally and in Southern region in IPC.
“Today, we take a bold step towards protecting the health and well-being of Zimbabweans,” said InfectionI Control Association of Zimbabwe-Trust (ICAZ-T), President Dr Celestino Dhege.
Dr Dhege highlighted that the ICAN hub will offer comprehensive training programs for healthcare professionals, focusing on infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and patient safety.
The veteran doctor added that the ICAN Hub will equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to prevent and control infections, ultimately saving lives.
Dr Dhege revealed that the ICAZ-T is currently the center where the Hub is being hosted which is an honor to our country.
The ICAN Hub, unveiled recently in the capital at a ceremony attended by healthcare professionals, government officials, and international partners, marks a major leap forward in Zimbabwe’s efforts to combat infectious diseases. The hub will serve as a center of excellence for infection control training, research, and policy development.
Benefits of working with the ICAN Southern Region IPC Hub:
Access high quality training in different aspects of IPC implementation.
Meet and share practical experiences with other IPC professionals in the Southern Region.
Reduce risk of healthcare associated infection in our facilities.
Improve patient safety and outcomes.
Enhance healthcare worker safety and well being.
Increased efficiency and effectiveness in IPC practices
Dr Dhege highlighted that the ICAN Hub is a beacon of hope in the fight against infectious diseases, and its impact will be felt across the country, improving the lives of Zimbabweans for generations to come.
“As Zimbabwe takes this significant step forward in infection control, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities are urged to join forces in promoting a culture of safety and quality care.
“The ICAN Hub demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare quality and patient safety.
- “This hub will enhance our capacity to respond to infectious disease outbreaks and improve health outcomes”, Dr Dhege explained.
Speaking at the same occasion, Director Nursing Services, Nyaradzai Chiwara said the aim of the Hub is to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing of IPC practices among healthcare professionals in relation to the effective reduction of Healthcare associated infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
“It develop context-specific guidelines and training programmes and promote a high standard of IPC training across the African continent by well qualified personnel and support research and innovation in infection control.
“It advocate for policy changes and resource allocation to promote quality IPC practices”Chiwara explained.
Chiwara highlighted that effective IPC Strategies include hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, proper sterilisation and disinfection practices, surveillance and outbreak response, antibiotic stewardship programmes and staff training and education.
“Through this hub we will, enhance capacity building for health workers, improve infection control practices in healthcare facilities and reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the Southern Region and Africa at large. Let us unite to address these unique challenges facing our region and continent. Together we can create a safer healthier Africa”, She said.
She added that it important to conduct research on IPC and identify effective strategies for Zimbabwean healthcare settings as well as develop and disseminate IPC guidelines, protocols, and resources.
“It foster partnerships and collaborations with government, international organizations, and local stakeholders, advocate for policy change and support the development of effective IPC policies”, said Chiwara.
Chiwara highlighted that the main thrust of this hub is to establish a resource center for IPC information, guidelines, and best practices so that we support the development of IPC standards and accreditation processes.
The ICAN Hub is a result of collaborative efforts between ICAZ-T, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, international organizations, and local partners.
Meanwhile stakeholder collaboration will help to promote:
Healthcare professionals to share expertise and best practices.
Policymakers to advocate for resource allocation and policy changes.
Community leaders to promote awareness and education.
Researchers to develop innovative solutions and evidence based practises.