- WHO report highlights critical gaps in infection prevention and control systems in six Western Pacific countries.
- Cambodia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Vietnam are the focus of the report.
- Limited compliance monitoring and external funding reliance hinder IPC policy implementation.
- The report urges stronger commitments to IPC through increased financial and policy support.
- Enhanced IPC systems are vital for resilient health systems and future health emergencies.
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report released on Monday reveals significant weaknesses in infection prevention and control (IPC) systems across six countries in the Western Pacific region. The affected nations include Cambodia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Vietnam.
The report, Infection Prevention and Control Systems in Six Priority Countries in the Western Pacific Region, highlights the urgent need for these countries to strengthen their IPC systems. It emphasizes the importance of effective monitoring and evaluation to guide actions that can improve IPC programs.
Gaps in Implementation and Monitoring
Despite the presence of national IPC programs in all six countries, the report found notable policy implementation gaps. Specifically, limited compliance monitoring and a heavy reliance on external funding have weakened the effectiveness of these programs.
Strong IPC measures, such as hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, environmental cleaning, and patient isolation, are critical in minimizing infection risks. However, the report indicates that inconsistent implementation continues to leave patients and healthcare workers vulnerable.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vital role of IPC measures in protecting public health. Yet, the report suggests that the pandemic also exposed existing weaknesses in IPC infrastructure across these countries.
Finally, the report calls on governments to prioritize IPC systems as part of broader health system strengthening efforts. It stresses the need for sustained financial and policy support in order to build more resilient health systems capable of managing future health emergencies
Call for Policy and Financial Commitments
WHO urges member states to reinforce their commitments to IPC through increased funding and policy initiatives. Enhanced IPC systems are essential not only for emergency preparedness but also for providing safe care on a daily basis.
The organization highlights that addressing IPC gaps will improve overall healthcare quality and protect patients from preventable infections.
The WHO report serves as a wake-up call for Western Pacific countries to strengthen their infection prevention and control systems. By addressing the identified gaps, these countries can build more resilient healthcare systems capable of withstanding future health crises while ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers.