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Call for Full Support to Infection Control Teams in Hospitals
 Every year, many lives are lost because of the spread of infections in hospitals. Major hospitals worldwide find it particularly difficult to manage infection control, as they admit acutely ill patients who may carry highly resistant infections. Health care workers can take simple steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases including actions such as covering the face during coughs and sneezes, using gloves, masks and protective clothing, making tissues and hand cleaners available, staying up-to-date with immunisations and strictly following hospital guidelines when dealing with blood or contaminated items.
Aga Khan University (AKU) held a series of events in April 2008 to highlight key issues relevant to infection control. These events, organised by Aga Khan University Hospital's (AKUH) Infection Control Committee, were meant to build collaboration between various hospitals in Pakistan, create awareness about infection control practices among health care workers (HCWs) and to enhance understanding of hospital surveillance, prevention and control. The events started with a three-day workshop for HCWs, followed by a day-long session on recent World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on Hand Hygiene, and culminating in the International Symposium on Best Infection Control Practices held on Saturday, April 19.
Fifty-seven participants from across Pakistan took part in the Workshop, addressed by physicians and nurses on critical issues such as HCWs' Health, Safety and Vaccination, Infection Control in the Operation Theatre, and Waste Disposal in Hospital Settings. Participants reported an overall 60 per cent increase in awareness levels after attending the workshop.
 The extended session on WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene, was conducted by Dr Nizam Damani, technical expert at WHO, Geneva, who focused on key issues such as the impact and burden of Health Care Associated Infection (HAI).
Speakers at the International Symposium covered a wide spectrum of sub-topics in their expert individual presentations on infection control in hospitals, educational institutions and communities in general. Chief Guest Ms Dallas Ariotti, Vice President Health Services, AKU strongly called for stakeholders to fully support infection control teams at hospitals, citing in particular reduction in HAI rates.
The Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan's President Dr Altaf Ahmad highlighted the importance of the community aspect of infection control practices, while Dr Rafat Jan of AKU's School of Nursing brought up a particularly relevant contemporary issue, e-learning opportunity for nurses. Other presentations focused on the safety of HCWs, practice in clinical settings, and the burden of infection. Dr Michael Borg, Chairperson International Federation of Infection Control underlined, via a video presentation, key issues in infection prevention at a global level.
The Symposium featured three concurrent sessions addressed by Dr Altaf Ahmad and French intensive care specialist, Dr Vincens Ioos, currently c onsultant at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Other experts from Liaquat National Hospital, Tabba Heart Institute as well as AKUH also presented on their specialised areas.
As a part of its social responsibility and commitment to the advancement of health research and education, AKU regularly holds seminars, symposiums and events to raise awareness about health and education related issues which are of national importance and interest.
For further information, please contact:
Department of Public Affairs
Aga Khan University
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi-74000
Fax: 92 21 493 4294, 493 2095
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