The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Technical Working Group to combat healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate announced the initiative during a ceremony on Monday in Abuja. The group aims to reduce HAIs in hospitals across Nigeria, which affect approximately 44 percent of patients admitted to Nigerian hospitals.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach designed to prevent patients and health workers from being harmed by avoidable infections. Highlighting the urgency of addressing HAIs, Pate noted that these infections lead to severe health complications, extended hospital stays, and a substantial economic burden, costing an estimated $715 per episode. The human and financial costs are immense, impacting the quality of life for countless families and healthcare workers.
The establishment of the IPC Technical Working Group follows recommendations from a recent Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of Nigeria’s health system. The evaluation highlighted significant progress in infection prevention and control but identified critical areas needing further improvement. The formation of this group is seen as a direct response to these recommendations, marking a critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Pate emphasised that IPC is integral to various healthcare initiatives, including maternal and child health, reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improving emergency preparedness and response. Strengthening IPC and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices is vital for protecting the health of Nigerians both in healthcare facilities and in communities. The inauguration of the IPC Technical Working Group aligns with the Global Action Plan on Infection Prevention and Control 2024-2030, recently approved by the World Health Assembly. By establishing this group, Nigeria positions itself as a leader in infection prevention and control, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.
The National IPC Programme, known as “Turn Nigeria Orange,” has already made significant strides. It has implemented functional IPC programmes in 58 tertiary hospitals and is working with state ministries of health across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). One of the key performance indicators is the performance of these hospitals in the Orange Network. Pate commended the efforts of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in advancing IPC practices nationwide.
The success of this initiative hinges on collaboration. The minister called on all stakeholders, including healthcare institutions, professional associations, patient advocacy groups and the public, to support and comply with the strategies and guidance developed by the IPC Technical Working Group. “Together, through collaboration and unwavering commitment, we can significantly reduce the burden of infectious diseases in Nigeria,” he urged.
Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachallom expressed her encouragement by the multi-sectoral composition of the working group. “I salute the spirit of cooperation and the synergy from other ministries, departments and agencies of government, as well as our partners, to convene this cross-cutting team,” she said. This is in line with the philosophy of “One Nation, One Plan.” Our humanity is closely tied with the environment and the livestock that we coexist with and consume. Kachallom emphasised that any sustainable efforts in infection prevention and control must be comprehensive and holistic, taking into consideration the country’s interconnectedness.
Technical officer, clinical services/NCD integration POC at APIN, Dr. Abiodun Isah stated that as Nigeria moves forward with this crucial initiative, the focus remains clear: to create a safer healthcare environment for all Nigerians. Isah added that it would ultimately advance towards the goal of Universal Health Coverage.
Recall that IPC started in Nigeria as a disease-specific practice. Each disease had its own IPC, such as IPC for AIDS, tuberculosis, etc. For many years, the country worked in silos, each institution setting up vertical structures and systems for IPC. This approach limited the national capacities and potentials. Today, the country has progressed to convene a national Technical Working Group in Infection Prevention and Control, a giant leap from where the country was only a few years ago.
