MOHS Collaborates with IRC and Partners to Build Capacity on Infection Prevention Control
Freetown, Mar. 3, 015 (MOHS) – The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Saran Kamara, has reiterated the need for sustainable training on Infection Prevention Control ahead of the Post Ebola era. (Photo: Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sarian Kamara making her opening address)
She was addressing 25 health care providers drawn from District Hospitals across the country at the opening ceremony of a two-week Infection Prevention Control (IPC) organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) at Hill Valley Hotel in Freetown on Monday March 2, 2015.
Cross section of participants
Dr. Kamara reminded her audience about the status of the country’s health system on the impact of the Ebola outbreak and death toll of health workers that were providing services to save lives. The standard operating procedures on IPC was necessary at the early stage but the management of the disease on Infection Prevention Control was critical and still crucial for the Ebola epidemic, and beyond Ebola. “We are looking at other diseases like Cholera, Lassa Fever among others within the Ministry’s Post Ebola Recovery Plan as IPC is key for Health Care Workers”, opined Dr. Sarian Kamara.
The World Health Organization (WHO) IPC Lead, Julie Storr described the training as extremely important for health care providers and expressed appreciation for the interest demonstrated by participants.
WHO IPC Lead, Julie Storr
“Infection Prevention Control makes work safe and health care safe”, Julie Storr told participants.
The Ebola epidemic and its consequence on the lives of the people including health workers, Julie Storr noted is a serious concern for health system strengthening and the basis for the ongoing training.
The National Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Focal Person, Nana Sesay-Kamara described IPC as the backbone of a health care delivery system.
National Infection Prevention Control Focal Person, Madam Nana Sesay-Kamara
She noted that IPC was lacking during the outbreak, adding that the capacity of frontline health workers on standard operating procedures, protocol and guidelines was also necessary to cope with the disease.
The National IPC Focal Person also noted that there was the Regulatory Body to provide sanction, adding that the Personal Protective Equipment and other vital medical tools were missing at health facilities across the country.
The training, Nana Sesay-Kamara said, is an important component that will help build confidence on the health workers, and reduce infection rate of the Ebola and other diseases.
Other Speakers include a Representative from Center for Disease Control Atlanta, Benjamin Park.
JAK/MK/MOHS
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