Impact of hand hygiene intervention: a comparative study in health care facilities in Dodoma region, Tanzania using WHO methodology

Compliance with guidelines on hand hygiene (HH) is pivotal to prevent and control health-care associated infections and contributes to mitigating antimicrobial resistance. A baseline assessment in Dodoma region, Tanzania in March 2018 showed inadequate HH levels across health care facilities. We evaluated the impact of training in HH as part of a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions of "Maji kwa Afya ya Jamii" (MKAJI) project.; A comparative HH assessment was conducted in June 2019 involving health care facilities under MKAJI project (n = 87 from which 98 units were assessed) vs non-MKAJI facilities (n = 85 from which 99 units were assessed). Irrespective of MKAJI interventional status, baseline assessment in March 2018 were compared to re-assessment in June 2019 in all health care facility units (unpaired comparison: 261 vs 236 units, respectively), and in facilities assessed in both surveys (paired comparison: 191 versus 191 units, respectively). The 'WHO HH Self-Assessment Framework Tool, 2010' with five indicators each counting 100 points was used. The cumulative scores stratified each health facility's unit into inadequate (0-125), basic (126-250), intermediate (251-375) or advanced (376-500) HH level (score). The HH compliance rates were also assessed and compared.; The overall post-intervention median HH score [interquartile range (IQR)] was 187.5 (112.5-260). MKAJI health facilities had significantly higher median HH scores (IQR) [190 (120-262.5)] compared with non-MKAJI facilities [165 (95-230); p = 0.038]. Similarly, the HH compliance rate of ≥51% was significantly higher in MKAJI than non-MKAJI facilities [56.1% versus 30.3%; chi2 = 13.39, p < 0.001]. However, the recommended WHO compliance rate of ≥81% was only reached by 6.1 and 3.0% units of MKAJI and non-MKAJI facilities, respectively. Both paired and unpaired comparisons during baseline and re-assessment surveys showed increase in HH level from inadequate to basic level.; The overall HH level after the combined WASH and training intervention was at basic level. Higher median HH scores (IQR) and HH compliance rates were evident in health facilities of the MKAJI project, underscoring the impact of the intervention and the potential value of a national roll-out

Abstracts of Tanzania Health Summit 2020

This book contains the abstracts of the papers/posters presented at the Tanzania Health Summit 2020 (THS-2020) Organized by the Ministry of Health Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC); President Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG); Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Elderly, Gender, and Children Zanzibar; Association of Private Health Facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA); National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA); Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC); &amp; Tindwa Medical and Health Services (TMHS) held on 25–26 November 2020. The Tanzania Health Summit is the annual largest healthcare platform in Tanzania that attracts more than 1000 participants, national and international experts, from policymakers, health researchers, public health professionals, health insurers, medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, private health investors, supply chain experts, and the civil society. During the three-day summit, stakeholders and decision-makers from every field in healthcare work together to find solutions to the country’s and regional health challenges and set the agenda for a healthier future. Summit Title: Tanzania Health SummitSummit Acronym: THS-2020Summit Date: 25–26 November 2020Summit Location: St. Gasper Hotel and Conference Centre in Dodoma, TanzaniaSummit Organizers: Ministry of Health Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC); President Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG); Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Elderly, Gender and Children Zanzibar; Association of Private Health Facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA); National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA); Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC); &amp; Tindwa Medical and Health Services (TMHS)