MoPH and partners observe Qatar Infection Control Week
THE Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the health sector institutions are marking Qatar Infection Control Week from October 18 to 24 under the slogan ‘Breaking the Infection Chain’.
The activities to mark the ocacsion coincide with the International Infection Prevention Week, an annual awareness campaign to highlight the importance of infection prevention and control practices wherever health care is provided.
The World Week, being observed since 1986, aims to put the spotlight on infection prevention every year.
In light of the challenges facing the world in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this year’s celebration will focus on extending thanks and appreciation to infection prevention specialists for their role in maintaining health and safety.
Director of the Strategic Planning and Performance Department at the Ministry of Public Health Hoda Amer Al Kathiri said the celebration of Qatar Infection Control Week this year comes at a time when the medical staff and infection prevention teams continue their great efforts to contain the (COVID-19) pandemic, in conjunction with enhancing awareness to protect from the virus.
Kathiri said the Ministry of Public Health invited all health facilities in Qatar to participate in the celebration by spreading awareness of the importance of the role of infection prevention specialists.
Infection prevention and control and breaking the chain of infection came at the forefront of health sector activities during the (COVID-19) pandemic, which provided an opportunity for infection prevention and control specialists to educate workers and the community, and to emphasise that the principles of infection prevention and control are not additional practices.
The International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the role infection prevention plays in improving patient safety in the fight against infection and to raise awareness among health workers and consumers, institutions and other partners about infection control and their ability to save lives on the third week of October each year.