Infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) are central to improving patient safety and addressing antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings. Recent efforts have focused on integrating IPC into AMS programmes across multiple hospitals, strengthening both infection prevention and the responsible use of antibiotics.
With technical support from the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, IPC programmes at twelve healthcare facilities were assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF). This framework evaluates eight core components, including guidelines, training, surveillance, and infrastructure. Following the assessments, targeted discussions with hospital teams identified strengths, gaps and priority areas for improvement.
A key focus was enhancing healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance and monitoring compliance with IPC practices. Hospitals were supported to strengthen surveillance systems and regularly assess adherence to infection prevention measures. Standard operating procedures were developed to ensure consistent monitoring, alongside educational materials highlighting best practices in surgical infection prevention.
These activities have improved understanding of IPC requirements and supported facilities to implement targeted training and capacity-building initiatives. As a result, healthcare workers’ knowledge and practices have improved, contributing to stronger compliance with IPC measures and more effective antimicrobial use.
Standardised tools and communication materials have also enabled more consistent implementation of IPC practices across facilities in Dong Thap. This has strengthened monitoring systems and laid the foundation for closer integration between IPC and AMS programmes.
Looking ahead, hospitals will continue to enhance IPC implementation by improving surveillance systems and monitoring practices. Ongoing technical support will focus on developing electronic surveillance tools for data collection and reporting, enabling more timely feedback and supporting continuous quality improvement in infection prevention and patient care.