While trying to recover from the emotional rollercoaster that the pandemic brought us, especially the loss of a number of colleagues and friends, I had to go through another bout of pain very recently.
Two very dear friends slipped into eternity two months apart due to infection-related causes. Their passing away, along with that of many of people close to us in the past two years, reminds us of an important health concern, which is the heart of a national observance on the second week of July – the National Infection Prevention and Control Week.
The national observance is being marked three months ahead of its global counterpart – the International Infection Prevention Week, started in 1986, which is set to take place on Oct. 15-21.
Health authorities sum up the goal of infection prevention and control: “To keep people from getting sick.”
The national celebration was started three years ago amid the pandemic through presidential Proclamation 971 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte “in recognition of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.” It also brings to the fore the importance of infection prevention control “as a cornerstone of patient and healthcare worker safety.”
The proclamation reiterates the recognition by the government of infection “as a major health problem, which has a significant impact on mortality, morbidity and quality of life.”
In the same proclamation, President Duterte also declared the second Saturday of July of every year as the “Surgical Infection Prevention Awareness Day.”
The proclamation directed the Department of Health to promote the two observances and hospitals to participate and assist in the conduct of related activities.
Beyond the crisis brought about by COVID-19, the country continues to witness infectious disease outbreaks in, among others, HIV, TB, malaria and dengue cases, which are “serious public health concerns that impose a significant burden on healthcare services.”
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My friend, Dr. Ma. Lalaine Tearima, chief of Eleuterio Decena Memorial Hospital, said the nationwide event on July 10-16 is themed, “Beyond the Pandemic: HAI-lighting the Importance of Infection Prevention and Control”. Spelled out, she added, HAI refers to HealthCare-Associated Infections.
In a post-COVID era, she said, the World Health Organization stresses more than ever “the importance of infection prevention and control as one of the key components of global health preparedness, prevention and response.”
Hospital staff should take steps to support and ensure that infection prevention and control, both for community acquired and healthcare associated infections, are implemented, monitored, and updated, she further said.
At the same time, she reminded the public that “infection control can start with proper handwashing,” adding that appropriate hand hygiene prevents up to 50 percent of avoidable infections acquired.
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The global observance in October will focus on the theme, “Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention.” The theme emphasizes the need of getting back to the basics of infection prevention for everyone.
Global health authorities have shared the following glaring pertinent facts and figures in the past few years which I compiled from various online sources:
* Infectious diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality globally.
* At least 25 percent of about 60 million worldwide deaths each year are estimated to be due to infectious diseases.
* Among the many causes of infectious diseases are five major agent groups – viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths (worms).
* About 7.7 million people die from bacterial infections every year.
* One in eight of all global deaths, or 13.6 percent, is caused by bacterial infections, making it the second largest cause of global mortality, after ischemic heart disease only.
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From seemingly simple cases, like colds and cough, to the more complicated ones that caused the recent deaths of many of our loved ones, the infection threat to human lives remains here and now.
Thus, we see the reality and substance of Dr. Teorima’s call on fellow health workers: “Let us continue our dedication as champions of infection prevention and control, especially as we recover from the pandemic.”
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Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds. (Hosea 6:1). – NWI
