Enhance IPC (Empowering Nurses: Strengthening Infection Control and Surveillance of HAIs in Ghana)

With financial support from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DANIDA)and the DANIDA Fellowship Centre. A team of researchers led by a central team from University of Ghana Medical School are conducting a multi-dimensional study to better understand the control and monitoring of healthcare associated infections in Ghana.

nurse attending to a patient

Why ENHANCE IPC Matters 

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major challenge to patient safety worldwide and are particularly burdensome in low- and middle-income countries. These infections contribute to prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality, rising healthcare costs, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite the availability of effective Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, many healthcare facilities continue to face challenges in implementing and sustaining surveillance and prevention programmes. 

The ENHANCE IPC project was established to address these challenges by generating evidence, strengthening surveillance systems, and empowering nurses to lead IPC improvement efforts. Through research, innovation, training, and collaboration, the project seeks to improve patient safety and contribute to stronger, more resilient healthcare systems across Ghana. 

Strengthening HAI Surveillance 

Accurate surveillance is the foundation of effective infection prevention. ENHANCE IPC aims to improve the detection, monitoring, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections through the use of standardised surveillance methods, improved data collection systems, and innovative approaches that support evidence-based decision-making. 

 Empowering Nurses as IPC Leaders 

Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and play a critical role in preventing infections. ENHANCE IPC seeks to build the capacity of nurses to lead surveillance activities, implement infection prevention interventions, and champion patient safety initiatives within healthcare facilities. 

 Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control 

The project supports the implementation of evidence-based IPC practices, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, safe clinical procedures, and infection monitoring. By strengthening IPC programmes, healthcare facilities can reduce preventable infections and improve the quality of care. 

 

Researchers 

  • Dr. Appiah-Korang Labi-Department of Medical Microbiology University of Ghana Medical School  
  • Prof. Japtheth Opintan- Department of Medical Microbiology University of Ghana Medical School 
  • Dr. Noah Obeng-Nkrumah-Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana 
  • Prof. Antoinette Bediako-Bowan-Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital 
  • Prof. Ama Pokua Fenny-Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana 
  • Prof. Emmanuel Asampong-School of Public Health, University of Ghana 
  • Prof. Samuel Adjorlolo-School of Nursing, University of Ghana 
  • Dr. Stephanie Bjerrum-Department of Infectious Diseases Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital Rigshospitalet 
  • Prof. Britt Pinkowski Tersbols-Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen 
  • Prof. Ulrika Enemark-Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus