Revamping Infection Control through International Non-governmental Support in Autoclaving Training for Low Capacity Hospitals in the Sub-sahara

Abstract

Introduction: The control of infection in hospital setting cannot be overemphasize nor undermined, even in poor resource settings with low human capacity especially in insurgency prone regions of the world.  Aim: The manuscript reported the lessons learnt and practical changes emanating from technical workshop model provided by International Non-Governmental organization such as ICRC. The autoclaving model was for Hospitals located in insurgency prone regions and compared with minimum international standards and requirements. Materials and Methods: It entails steps for developing a capacity for infection control through sponsored training and retraining in autoclaving techniques, instrumentation handling, storage and transport within hospital premises with limited or poorly trained personnel. Lessons learnt were summarized, and pictorial descriptions of steps were highlighted.  Results: The Central sterilization unit was set up, and motivation was given in the form of stipends (money) to enhance continuity and sustainability. In addition, control standards for monitoring the quality of their work in autoclaving was impacted to the staffs during the technical workshop and currently serves as resource model for training workers from surrounding health centres in remote suburbs where insurgency have been subjugated relatively. Discussion: The workshop had proven that hospitals with staff shortfall in sub-Sahara Africa and regions ravaged by war, militancy or insurgency could be equipped with standard autoclaving techniques and instrumentation handling skills by training non-health professional as well as equipping support staffs. This model of technical support allows for inaccessible health facilities to gain focal and modern medical, scientific techniques, capacity building in autoclaving and instrumentation handling. It allows the use of local firewood for energy supply where electricity supply is not sustainable for continuity. This model also provides minimum infection control standards for poor resource hospital and may be used in mobile health missions in remote settings. Conclusion: Therefore interventions such as Autoclaving using model pressure pots should be part of strategies employed in reducing and controlling infections and sterilization of instruments during NGOs health mission projects.