CDC Cares Project
The Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) received funding from CDC CARES to support the COVID-19 response. The BRTI successfully supported implementation of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program through its partnership with Infection Control Association of Zimbabwe Trust (ICAZ-T) in 105 Ministry of Health of Child Care (MOHCC) Health Care Facilities (HCF) from 5 targeted provinces (Harare, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West) through different strategies. The project successfully strengthened and expanded an existing IPC program from National to Primary Health Care Level. Compliancy was monitored through facility risk assessments.
The Project assisted in the setting up of screening and triaging stations at the 105 facilities. Through coordinated efforts with other partners, successfully lobbied for the appointment of an IPC Manager at National level in the Nursing Directorate at MOHCC. The ICAZ-T Technical Advisor Prof Val Robertson was appointed co-chair of the IPC Pillar within the MoHCC and provided her expert advice. The Project advocated for the appointment and training of 24 District Mentors, 42 Hospital Mentors and 15 IPC Link persons per supported hospital. The IPC Mentors and link persons were capacitated through blended training methods of face to face, ZOOM and WHATSAPP, modular training and on the job mentorship and skills development. Additionally, the project provided expert advice on the repurposing of existing space to COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases Isolation Centres at the supported hospitals. CDC Cares Project financially and technically supported the updating of the National IPC Guidelines during stakeholder consultation, advocacy and writing.