The Ogun State Government has validated and adopted a new Infection Prevention and Control, IPC, Manual as part of measures to improve patient safety, enhance healthcare workers’ protection, and standardise infection control practices across all health facilities in the State.
Declaring the meeting open at a one-day validation and dissemination event in Abeokuta, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, described the manual as a significant milestone in the State’s efforts towards strengthening its healthcare delivery and safeguarding the wellbeing of every resident of Ogun State.
She noted that the document reflects the State Government’s resolve to institutionalise evidence-based practices, emphasising that robust infection control systems are essential for preventing avoidable infections, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, and strengthening outbreak preparedness.
“Events in recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to recurring outbreaks of Lassa fever, cholera, mpox, and other infectious diseases, have further reinforced the reality that robust IPC systems are not optional components of our health architecture. They are fundamental to the survival and effectiveness of the entire health sector.”
“That is why we have worked assiduously alongside our partners to develop this manual. It will serve as a uniform reference document for training, supportive supervision, and audits across public and private health facilities,” Coker stated.
The Commissioner added that the manual would offer practical, step-by-step guidance for healthcare workers, including standard precautions, environmental hygiene, waste management, safe injection practices, and surveillance of healthcare-associated infections.
In a goodwill message, the Regional Technical Coordinator, African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Dr. Patrick Nguku, commended the state for prioritising safer healthcare environments, noting that the adoption of the manual demonstrated leadership and commitment to equipping health workers with clear, evidence-based instructions for infection control.
Dr. Nguku, who was represented by an epidemiologist from his organisation, Dr. Elizabeth Adedire, emphasised that the document would provide uniform guidelines, serve as a practical handbook for procedures such as hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation protocols, and strengthen continuous professional development by offering a structured training framework.
He added that the manual aligns local practices with national and international standards, including WHO recommendations, and assured that AFENET remains committed to supporting the State through capacity building, implementation, and continuous quality improvement.
Representatives of other development partners, including Mr. Solape Folarin of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mrs. Adedayo Adenrele of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Pharmacist Michael Ohue of APIN Initiatives, pledged technical support towards ensuring that the manual achieves its intended objectives.