Tracking Rural Health Facility Financial Data in Resource-Limited Settings: A Case Study from Rwanda

Chunling Lu and colleagues describe a project for tracking health center financial data in two rural districts of Rwanda, which could be adapted for other low- or middle-income countries. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summar

Status of infection prevention and control programs in 25 facilities of Rwanda: Results from the WHO infection prevention and control assessment framework

Abstract Background Infection prevention and control (IPC) is important in ensuring patient safety, protecting healthcare workers, and reducing healthcare‐associated costs. The World Health Organization (WHO)‐validated Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) was used to evaluate IPC practices in Rwandan healthcare facilities. Methodology In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed 25 health facilities across Rwanda, including district and referral hospitals. Using the IPCAF tool, we assessed eight core components (CCs) of IPC programs. We calculated median scores and interquartile ranges to determine the levels of implementation of IPC practices. Findings Among the 25 facilities, all showed some degree of IPCAF implementation, with an overall median IPCAF score of 545.0, reflecting an intermediate level. Three facilities (12%) were at a basic level, 16 (64%) at an intermediate level, and 6 (24%) at an advanced level of IPC practices. The presence of IPC guidelines scored the highest among CCs (median: 87.5). About 96% of facilities did not have a dedicated full‐time IPC staff, 64% of facilities did not offer IPC training to new staff, and 84% did not have protocols for multidrug‐resistant pathogens. Conclusions This initial IPCAF assessment in Rwanda reveals critical IPC strengths and gaps. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted interventions, such as appointing dedicated IPC staff, strengthening IPC committees, and enhancing IPC training and resources

Missing proportions of in-kind donations in the 21 health centers.

<p>Missing proportions of in-kind donations in the 21 health centers.</p

Summary of different approaches in reporting in-kind support by the DHHST and the five-step procedure: an example.

<p>Summary of different approaches in reporting in-kind support by the DHHST and the five-step procedure: an example.</p