A recent study revealed that the rate of healthcare workers receiving training on infection prevention had shot up while the use of sterilised equipment and waste management was also bolstered at upazila-level health complexes, union sub-centres, and community clinics.
The research, conducted with the support of the Operational Plan for Upazila Health Care and Community-Based Health Care under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), was funded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Integrated Health Science Research and Development Fund.
The main objective of the study was to assess the current status of infection prevention, water, sanitation, and medical waste management and to improve service quality through pilot interventions.
The findings show that the rate of healthcare workers receiving training on infection prevention increased from 18% to 60%. There was an improvement in the use of sterilised equipment and waste management from 20% to 50%.
Patient satisfaction regarding cleanliness also rose from 45% to 65%.
At a meeting held on July 9 to discuss the findings, Dr Farzana Taher Munmun, the study's principal investigator, said that the findings would help further strengthen infection prevention measures at the upazila level.
In particular, regular training, supervision, and the involvement of local stakeholders can play a vital role in reducing infections, Munmun said.
The study also identified several challenges, including gaps in training and logistics, weak supervision, and a lack of motivation.
Associate Professor Dr Ariful Hossain of Dhaka Medical College stated that the results of this research would make significant contributions at both the district and national levels.
Dr Zainal Abedin Titu, Line Director (Hospital Service Management), emphasised the need to increase the number of hospital cleaning staff, while Brigadier General Saidur Rahman, a director of Kurmitola Hospital, stressed the need to ensure teamwork among healthcare workers and the optimal use of equipment.
World Health Organization representative Dr Murad Sultan praised the health education materials developed as part of the study.
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