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COVID-19 Emergency Response: WASH and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in Health care facilities (HCF) Guidance Note (10 March 2020) [EN/RU/UK]

Países
Ucrania
Fuentes
UNICEF
Fecha de publicación

Understanding Infection Prevention and Control:

According to WHO, infection prevention and control (IPC) is a scientific approach and practical solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection to patients and health workers. It is grounded in infectious diseases, epidemiology, social science and health system strengthening. IPC occupies a unique position in the field of patient safety and quality universal health coverage since it is relevant to health workers and patients at every single health-care encounter. Poor WASH and IPC lead to health acquired infections, transmission of diseases from health facilities to communities and increased use of antibiotics and exacerbate outbreak and spread of infections- in this case- COVID- 19. On the contrary, effective IPC reduces hospital-acquired infections by at least 30% (WHO 2016).

In the context of HCFs, we also differentiate IPC and WASH: IPC cannot be met without WASH services, the later providing the basis for adequate IPC (water, sanitation and hygiene services). It is important to note that with a potential increased patient influx, the demand for water and sanitation services might be higher than the available offer and that it will be essential to support the gap to avoid health service to be disrupted. The below guidance also applies to temporary screening facilities set-up where WASH services need to be put in place or strengthened.
However, we do not include the screening process itself and medical equipment disinfection and sterilization as part of UNICEF WASH, but we acknowledge that HEALTH can intervene on these aspects. We also must bear in mind that each country MoH has norms and standards in terms of water and sanitation for health facilities, that COs must be aware of.