The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) observed ‘Qatar Infection Prevention and Control Week’ (QIPC) recently under the theme ‘Break the Chain of Infection’ in collaboration with healthcare facilities and other relevant institutions in Qatar.
The objective was to raise awareness through activities to highlight the importance of infection prevention and control practices in all healthcare facilities. In addition, there will be a public campaign to raise awareness among the public on preventing infections and control practices wherever healthcare is delivered to improve patient safety.
QIPC Week was the first event at the national level. Huda Amer al-Katheeri, acting director, Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety Department, MoPH said the Qatar Infection Prevention and Control Week aimed at highlighting the important role that the best evidence based practices in infection prevention and control play in preventing infections.
MoPH team conducted a field visit to Mesaimeer Workers Health Centre and participated in the celebration of the national infection control week through a number of activities including a lecture.The lecture focused on making the public aware of the importance of preventing infection to protect themselves and others. It also urged them to follow infection prevention practices such as washing hands properly and follow etiquette for sneezing and coughing.
As part of the events, the MoPH conducted a symposium attended by senior officials and experts, including those from the relevant healthcare organisations in the government, semi-government and private sector.
Also university professors and students from the relevant schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and other health sciences attended the symposium.  Dr Nahid al-Ajami from Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr Sitana al-Shafi from Aspetar and a consultant from the Joint Commission International spoke.