Healthcare workers are the backbone of an effective healthcare system. Healthcare workers are often frontliners providing essential services at the community level. Based on the sensitivity of their jobs, they are frequently exposed to infections and diseases. Understanding the constant risk healthcare workers are exposed to, SSDO and WaterAid Nigeria saw the need to organize a workshop.
On Friday, 11th February 2022, WaterAid Nigeria, partnered with South Saharan Social Development Organization, (SSDO) to strengthen the capacity of health workers in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. In attendance were participants from different bodies, including representatives from the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, 21 Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of the selected healthcare facilities, and 14 Heads-of-Department of 14 selected LGAs.
The workshop was Facilitated by Dr. Kachy Ugwa, Community Health Specialist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu. He started with an introduction to IPC and standard precautions, using hand hygiene as a case note. He also covered several topics including; Understanding disease transmission, Basics of COVID 19, Environmental cleaning and disinfection, Transmission-based precautions, A risk-based approach to PPEs, Screening and triaging – the principle of screening, isolating, and notifying, IPC and WASH with emphasis on handwashing, social distancing, and the use of facemask as it relates to routine immunization, ante-natal and post-natal.
