Over 40 healthcare workers from Zomba Central Hospital (ZCH) have undergone training in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), aimed at strengthening hospital safety practices and reducing healthcare-associated infections. Conducted by the IPC Implement Study team at Mango Lodge in Zomba, the sessions brought together staff from the medical, surgical, and theatre wards. The focus was on hands-on training for high-risk procedures like urinary catheterisation and intravenous cannulation, which can contribute to infection if performed incorrectly.
The training highlighted the practical challenges ZCH staff face in implementing gold-standard IPC procedures in resource-limited settings. Trainers introduced alternative approaches tailored to these constraints while maintaining patient safety. Participants expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge gained. “We have learnt effective ways to manage ourselves and our equipment to prevent infections,” noted Dr. James Banda, an intern medical officer. Nurse Eunice Banda also emphasized the importance of sharing this knowledge with colleagues to ensure widespread impact across wards.
The IPC initiative aims to train over 170 healthcare workers in total, with each cohort participating in a three-day training session over a four-week period. This effort aligns with Malawi’s broader commitment to improving hospital infection control and safety standards. Dorica Ng’ambi, Study Implementation Lead, acknowledged existing gaps at ZCH but affirmed the project’s goal to build long-term improvements through staff training and support.
In addition to training, the program will provide ZCH with supplementary resources to reinforce infection prevention efforts on the ground. Taking place at a time when Malawi’s healthcare system is under significant pressure, the IPC initiative serves as a timely intervention to protect both patients and healthcare workers from avoidable infections, ultimately promoting safer, more standardized clinical care.
