Frontline Safety: Transforming Infection Prevention Practices During the Pandemic

By Oladayo Nuel

The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the importance of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices in healthcare settings worldwide. In Nigeria, where healthcare resources were already stretched, the pandemic magnified existing challenges, including shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), inadequate infection control knowledge, and a rise in healthcare worker infections. The urgent need for stringent IPC measures became clear as healthcare facilities struggled to maintain safety standards while managing overwhelming case numbers.

In a recent conversation with our correspondent, Dr. Igunma Osayamen Sheriffe, a Dentist, Infection preventionist, and Public health expert, shared insights on how he led innovative infection prevention training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the urgent need for robust infection control practices, Dr. Igunma, who is one of the leading voices in tackling infectious disease control challenges, spearheaded capacity-building initiatives to protect healthcare workers and patients alike.

Observing significant gaps in infection prevention knowledge and the inconsistent use of PPE, Dr. Igunma took the initiative to organize and implement structured IPC training programs. These efforts aimed to equip healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard themselves and their patients from the spread of infections, including COVID-19.

The training sessions covered essential IPC practices, including proper PPE use, hand hygiene protocols, and effective disinfection techniques. Through these sessions, more than 500 healthcare workers, including dentists, medical doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff, were trained in best practices for infection prevention. The impact of these trainings was profound, as healthcare workers gained confidence in their ability to protect themselves and reduce transmission risks within their facilities.

One notable outcome of Dr. Igunma’s work was the establishment of standardized IPC guidelines across several healthcare settings. By fostering a culture of safety and diligence, he significantly reduced the risk of healthcare-associated infections and enhanced overall safety for both patients and staff.

Dr. Igunma’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as his leadership in capacity building and infection prevention became a model for other healthcare institutions across different regions in the country. His unwavering commitment to safeguarding healthcare workers during the pandemic exemplifies the critical role of IPC in strengthening health systems and protecting public health.

In a time of unprecedented crisis, Dr. Igunma’s contributions have proven essential to advancing healthcare safety standards and preparing the workforce for future public health emergencies.

In his conclusion, he urged health workers to adhere to IPC protocols to protect themselves, their patients, their colleagues, and their families. He advocated to policymakers to invest in IPC training and infrastructure, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of IPC through reduction in disease burden, hospitalization rates, and healthcare-associated infections.