From September 11 to 17, 2025, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency and with support from the Global Fund, organized a pivotal three-day workshop in Bo and Bombali Districts. The event aimed to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across 31 hospitals nationwide. Led by the National Infection Prevention and Control Program (NIPCP), the initiative built on lessons learned during the Ebola outbreak and sought to embed sustainable, evidence-based practices into the country’s healthcare system.
The workshop introduced the Rapid Improvement Methodology (RIM), a practical and results-oriented approach to quality improvement. This model emphasizes identifying root causes of IPC challenges and developing structured action plans with clear goals and realistic timelines. By involving healthcare workers from all wards and units, the methodology fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, which is essential for long-term success. The collaborative nature of the approach ensures that improvements are not only implemented but also maintained over time.
Ten key IPC areas were targeted during the training: environmental cleanliness, waste management, medical device decontamination, sanitation, hand hygiene, sharps management, linen management, screening and isolation, IPC infrastructure, and personal protective equipment. These domains are critical to reducing healthcare-associated infections and ensuring safer environments for both patients and healthcare workers.
The workshop had several core objectives. It aimed to enhance IPC practices to improve patient outcomes, reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections through evidence-based strategies, and establish systems for data collection and surveillance to monitor progress. Additionally, it focused on building capacity by training IPC supervisors and focal persons in data-driven problem-solving and action planning.
Facilitated by Isata Adama Bangura, a quality improvement expert and field epidemiologist from the National Public Health Agency, the workshop benefited from her technical expertise and hands-on guidance. Her leadership played a vital role in translating the RIM model into actionable steps, empowering healthcare workers to implement meaningful changes in their facilities.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system. By equipping hospital staff with the tools and knowledge to improve IPC standards, the country is taking proactive steps to protect patients, reduce the burden of preventable infections, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The workshop not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for a resilient and responsive healthcare infrastructure that can adapt to future public health threats.
Public Relations Unit, NPHA-SL