Government is struggling with Infection prevention and control (IPC) because of challenges including infrastructure, inadequate IPC training and staff to patient ratio. Now that we know where the challenges are then we can go ahead and fix them! Apparently not. If we agree that prevention, reduction and control of HIAs and Antimicrobial resistance in order to improve patient safety and health outcomes is a priority then why is IPC not taken seriously?
“IPC in our health facilities is erratic. There are untrained persons at our health facilities and they need training and support. Tertiary hospitals have some IPC practitioners. However, they seem to be more at district level,” she says. “Government has not made enough effort to ensure that the National Strategic Framework is being implemented. A national IPC coordinator has been seconded for two years but there is no permanent post at national nor is there a budget. This matter needs to be addressed urgently.” According to Professor Shaheen Mehtar.
Government is aware of course.
According to Director Catherine Mbuyane “Historically designed facilities that did not take consideration of airflow, ventilation, and air changes in the growing trends of airborne diseases are creating exposure risk. Growing demand for healthcare services by the uninsured patrons in South Africa are placing a greater burden on existing healthcare infrastructure. The design of the facilities that do not align to current health needs are also a problem,”
We hope for the best.
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