The Ogun State Government has formally adopted a revised Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Manual to enhance patient safety, improve protection for healthcare workers, and standardise infection control practices across all health facilities in the state.
The validation took place at a one-day review and dissemination meeting held in Abeokuta, where the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, described the adoption of the manual as a major milestone in the state’s ongoing reforms in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Coker noted that the manual reflects the state government’s commitment to institutionalising evidence-based practices. She stressed that efficient infection prevention systems are critical to reducing avoidable infections, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, and improving outbreak preparedness.
“Events in recent years—from the COVID-19 pandemic to recurring outbreaks of Lassa fever, cholera, mpox, and other infectious diseases—have reinforced the fact that strong IPC systems are not optional. They are foundational to the survival and effectiveness of our health sector,” she said.
She explained that the manual will serve as a uniform reference for training, supportive supervision, and audits across public and private health facilities, providing practical guidance on standard precautions, environmental hygiene, waste management, safe injection practices, and surveillance of healthcare-associated infections.
In a goodwill message, the Regional Technical Coordinator of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Dr. Patrick Nguku, commended Ogun State for demonstrating leadership and commitment to strengthening infection control systems. Represented by Dr. Elizabeth Adedire, he said the manual offers clear, evidence-based instructions for health workers and aligns local practices with national and global standards, including those of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Nguku added that the document will serve as a practical handbook for procedures such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation protocols, and staff training frameworks, assuring that AFENET will continue to support implementation and quality improvement efforts in the state.
Other development partners—including representatives of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and APIN Public Health Initiatives—pledged ongoing technical support to ensure effective deployment of the manual across the state.
