Evaluating infection prevention and control programs in Zambian hospitals using the WHO infection prevention and control assessment framework tool

Bibliographic Data

ID22084258
AuthorsSteward Mudenda (0000-0003-1692-8981, University of Zambia, corresponding author), Joseph Yamweka Chizimu (0000-0002-2126-5759, Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust), Linus Ndegwa (0000-0002-3609-7962, The Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network), Maisa Kasanga (0000-0003-1724-7934, University Teaching Hospital), Ilunga Mutwale (University of Zambia), Aubrey C Kalungia (0000-0003-2554-1236, University of Zambia), Evelyn Wesangula (0000-0002-1467-3631, East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community), Adriano Focus Lubanga (0000-0002-5491-5412, Kamuzu Central Hospital), James C L Mwansa (0000-0003-0726-8889, Lusaka Apex Medical University), Martha Mwaba (Ministry of Health), Amos Yared Massele (Hubert Kairuki Memorial University), Nyambe Sinyange (Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust), Tapfumanei Mashe (0000-0001-6481-4095, World Health Organization - Zimbabwe), Malambo Mutila (0000-0002-4148-1993, Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust), Paul Simujayang’ombe (Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust), David Lowrance (0000-0002-7976-7583, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria), Kaunda Yamba (0000-0003-1777-8305), Misheck Shawa (University of Zambia), Chie Nakajima (0000-0002-9194-1062, Hokkaido University), Yasuhiko Suzuki (0000-0002-1313-1494, Hokkaido University), John Bwalya Muma (0000-0001-6180-4051, University of Zambia), Massimo Sartelli (0000-0003-3202-7542, Ospedale di Macerata), Brian Godman (0000-0001-6539-6972, St George's, University of London), Roma Chilengi (0000-0003-0221-9527, Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1642119-1642119
Publication date2025-08-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1642119
PMID40951411
OpenAlexW4413834930
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited112

Background: Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is key to preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the implementation of IPC in Zambian hospitals. Materials and methods: We conducted a multicentric cross-sectional study in nine hospitals across Zambia using the WHO IPCAF tool. Data were collected from September 1 to 30, 2024 and analyzed using the self-scoring Excel and IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results: Out of the nine hospitals assessed, four were tertiary-level hospitals while the rest were secondary-level hospitals. Overall, the implementation of IPC core components was intermediate (IPCAF Score of 594 out of 800). Four hospitals had IPCAF scores between 401 and 600, indicating an intermediate level of IPC implementation. Five hospitals scored between 601 and 800, indicating an advanced implementation of IPC in these hospitals. Three tertiary hospitals scored between 601 and 800, demonstrating their advanced implementation of IPC core components. Conclusion: This study found that the overall implementation of IPC in the surveyed hospitals was intermediate, indicating that further improvements were needed. There is a need to provide peer-learning support and strengthen IPC implementation to respond to new or re-emerging infections and AMR in the country and beyond

Disease prevention · Environmental health · Infection control · Intensive care medicine · Antibiotic Use and Resistance · Computer Science · Infection Control in Healthcare · Medicine · Surgical site infection prevention · Artificial Intelligence