From October 17-23, 2021, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) took part in the International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), under the theme "Make Your Intention Infection Prevention”. This international campaign highlighted how science-based measures can prevent infection.

IIPW was established in 1986, in the US, with the aim of shining a light on infection prevention while maintaining the safety of patients and health care workers and, over time, recognition of IIPW has extended around the world.

Dr. Ahmed Hashem, Infection Control Coordinator at PHCC’s Communicable Diseases and Infection Prevention Department said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how vital the role of infection preventionists has become in fighting this invisible enemy.” He added, “Regardless of the current threat posed by the coronavirus, infection preventionists continue to work hard to combat healthcare-associated infections, such as smallpox, measles and influenza outbreaks, as well as other challenges that healthcare providers face on a daily basis.”

PHCC’s Infection Prevention and Control team has prepared a series of activities and shared it with employees and patients in PHCC’s Health Centers. Several events were organized for health care providers, including a competition for best video and best set-up within a Health Center to promote the campaign. The Infection Prevention team also coordinated with PHCC’s public relations and corporate communication teams to promote the campaign among the local community through the media and on PHCC’s social media platforms using awareness posts and videos, as well as online lectures, in Arabic and English, about the coronavirus, means of prevention, seasonal influenza vaccines, and hand hygiene.

During this week-long campaign, daily lectures were given to PHCC Health Center staff, focusing on hand hygiene, safe injection practices, antibiotic resistance, coronavirus and influenza vaccines. They also received daily Arabic and English text messages on infection prevention and control procedures.

Patients in PHCC’s Health Centers were also encouraged to participate in the awareness campaign, with educational materials and brochures available within designated areas.