Strengthening epidemic preparedness in Nigeria

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) has been an international point of conversation for much of the 2020’s; however, some countries and regions have yet to fully implement precautionary measures.

Across the globe, disease control and prevention stand as fundamental pillars in protecting public health and mitigating the spread of infectious illnesses. However, in Gombe State, Nigeria, these critical measures face significant challenges due to the lack of comprehensive policies and regulations governing infection prevention and control (IPC) and limited funding. This project sets out to strengthen IPC frameworks and safeguard the health of the local population.

The project aimed to enhance IPC for effective epidemic preparedness in Gombe State by implementing an IPC framework and deploying IPC leads in every healthcare facility in the state.

In an initial survey of 12 healthcare facilities in the area, Fellows Muhammad and Funmi found multiple shortcomings with disease prevention approaches. From this survey, an Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPC) was formed, partnering with the Rural Health Mission, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Gombe State University, and Gombe State Ministry of Health to address structural blind spots in government regulations.  

Following the creation of this committee, the appointment of an IPC focal person was introduced. This addition provided all twelve healthcare facilities within the Gombe State with a representative who would oversee disease control, ensuring that current policies and practices across the area were consistent and adequately maintained. The committee also provided these individuals with specialized training with IPC experts to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to implement effective IPC measures.

Finally, the committee began creating an IPC policy manual to be used as a roadmap for future policymakers and government officials. Supported and drafted by the State Ministry of Health, this document intends to provide a more robust IPC framework in Gombe State. The creation of such a comprehensive groundwork, including the IPC Committee, representatives, and policy manual has allowed the Gombe State to improve their IPC practices.

The project has established a robust governance structure, appointing dedicated focal persons, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive IPC policy manual.

• Establishment of IPC governance: With the introduction of an IPC committee, the project has established a robust IPC governance structure at both the state and healthcare facility to standardize practices. This ensures that individuals receiving care in the secondary health facilities in Gombe state, irrespective of their location or socio-economic status, receive consistent and high-quality healthcare services.
• Improving skills and knowledge: The Fellows hired IPC Focal Persons, a major milestone for the project. Their responsibilities include coordination, training, and implementation of IPC measures at the grassroots level. This strategic placement of focal persons ensures a more localized and responsive approach to infection prevention and control.
• Comprehensive Training for IPC Focal Persons: The project invested in the skills and knowledge of appointed IPC focal persons through comprehensive training programs. This initiative not only empowered these frontline healthcare workers but also had a cascading effect, extending the impact to other healthcare staff. The result is an overall enhancement of the local workforce's capability to manage and mitigate the impact of infectious diseases.
• Policy framework addressing health disparities: The initiation of the IPC policy manual development signals a commitment to addressing broader systemic needs for infection prevention and control. This framework has the potential to explicitly address health disparities, leading to more targeted interventions and reducing health inequities within the community.
• Strengthened Epidemic preparedness: Collectively, these achievements have significantly strengthened Gombe State's capacity for effective epidemic preparedness. The establishment of a robust governance structure, the appointment of dedicated focal persons, and the initiation of an IPC policy manual demonstrate a holistic approach that ensures sustained and long-term improvements in the region's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks.

Muhammad and Funmi have used the project as a springboard for further advocacy and intervention within the Gombe State and beyond, expanding into other regions of Nigeria to support epidemic response.