Multi-pronged system strengthening approach to improving infection prevention and control practices in Tanzania

To ensure the effectiveness of its infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, Tanzania recognised a need to revise IPC guidelines and standards; upgrade IPC training materials to address knowledge gaps among preservice health care students and health workers; improve IPC governance and practice at the national and health facility levels; and improve monitoring of IPC program performance and surveillance of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Overall, our work addressed 20 out of 21 IPC-related actions in the World Health Organisation Benchmarks for International Health Regulations capacities tool between 2018 and 2024. Over a one-year period, we found that the percentage of patients developing surgical site infections remained at 1% on average in the 10 intervention hospitals, which is lower than the global average of around 2.5%. The Ministry of Health subsequently scaled up HAI surveillance to 69 additional hospitals. As a result, Tanzania achieved a score of 3 (developed capacity) for HAI surveillance specifically in the Joint External Evaluation conducted in August 2023. Building on this progress, the Ministry of Health will continue to scale up IPC programs in all public and private health facilities. Given the health security risks associated with Ebola, Marburg, Mpox, and other pathogens, significant efforts are needed to educate the public on the importance of practicing IPC measures to protect themselves from infectious diseases.