Dr. Farhana Taher Munmun, a researcher at the Directorate General of Health, revealed a study on Wednesday.
The study shows that the rate of health workers receiving training on infection prevention and control increased from 18% to 60% through the pilot program. Improvements from 20% to 50% were observed in the use of sterile equipment and proper waste management. At the same time, the satisfaction rate of patients with cleanliness has reached 65% from 45%.
Dr. Munmun said, “The results of this study will help strengthen the infection prevention and control system in the health sector at the upazila level. In particular, regular training, supervision, and involvement of local stakeholders will help reduce infections. The study also identified some challenges, such as inadequate use of logistics, lack of training, weak supervision, and lack of willpower among health workers.
The standardized implementation program of infection prevention and control methods in government health care institutions at the upazila level has been evaluated.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Operational Plan Upazila Healthcare and Community-Based Healthcare of the Directorate General of Health. Funded by Integrated Health Science Research and Development Fund, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The main objective of this study was to assess the current status of infection prevention and control, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and medical waste management in Upazila Health Complexes, Union Sub-Centers and Community Clinics. Also, improve the systems through a pilot program.
Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Mainul Ahsan, Director (Hospital and Clinic Branch), Directorate of Health, delivered a welcome speech to all those present at the meeting.
Professor Dr. Fariha Hasin, Bangladesh Medical University, was associated with the said research program. Dr. Fatema Karim, DPM, Directorate of Health, moderated the meeting. The meeting was attended by Additional Directors General of the Directorate of Health, Directors and Directors of various institutions, representatives of the World Health Organization, and concerned persons.
According to the recommendations of this study, a call has been made to implement a quality infection prevention and control program at the upazila level, regular training, active committees, and strong supervision at the national and local levels. Various branches of the Directorate General of Health Services, World Health Organization, UNICEF, ICDDRB, and other organizations have cooperated in the implementation of the research program.
Dhaka Medical College Associate Professor Dr. Ariful Hossain commented that the results of the research program will play an effective role not only in the upazila, but also in the district and national level health institutions, and a separate department in the institution should be launched in this regard. Dr. Joynal Abedin Titu, Line Director, Hospital Service Management, Directorate of Health, Dhaka, also talked about this.
Brig. Gen. Abu Noman Md. Mosleh Uddin, Bangladesh Medical University, thanked all those involved in the research and highlighted the importance of monitoring for infection prevention and control activities in specialized hospitals and their implementation.
Brig. Gen. Saidur Rahman, Director of Kurmitola, emphasized the importance of utilizing existing equipment and materials in hospitals, as well as the teamwork of health workers, for the institution. Dr. Murad Sultan, World Health Organization Representative, also commented positively on the health education materials prepared in this study.
Dr. Rizwanur Rahman, Additional Director General (Administration), emphasized the need to take necessary measures to apply the results of the research to other service institutions.
