Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control at the National and Healthcare Facility Levels in Ethiopia

Health care-associated infections (HAI) are a threat to patient safety. HAIs result in prolonged hospital stays, increased antimicrobial resistance and are a financial burden on health systems and patients. Implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs and evidence-based interventions can prevent the transmission of infections among patients during or following health care as well as occupational infections among health care workers (HCWs). The national prevalence of HAI remains high in Ethiopia, and therefore, strengthening IPC is a high priority of the government of Ethiopia for improved patient safety and healthcare.

This technical brief summarizes MTaPS’ technical assistance to the government of Ethiopia to strengthen IPC governance by developing policy documents, guidelines, and a monitoring framework; and to improve IPC practice at health facilities through training, supportive supervision, and mentorship of healthcare workers. MTaPS’ efforts have laid the groundwork for institutionalizing and sustaining IPC improvements at national and subnational levels in Ethiopia.