INFECTION PREVENTION

Infection Control

Infection Control is a must for any TB program. The purpose for IC is promptly to identify TB suspects / patients and initiate them on treatment to prevent spread of disease to susceptible persons. The urgency of addressing TB IC in all settings where diagnosed and undiagnosed TB patients receive care or other services is highlighted by the impact of the HIV epidemic and increasing prevalence of drug-resistant disease.

The Division has developed guidelines that offer recommendations on IC of TB in health care settings where other patients, HCWs and immuno-compromised patients frequent while seeking care. Health care workers are at increased risk of TB infection and disease compared to the general population.

Within health care settings there are three major levels of TB infection control measures which must be practiced concurrently. These are:

•  Administrative controls

•  Environmental controls and

•  Personal protective gear.

DLTLD purchases and distributes N95 respirators to all health facilities taking care of MDR patients. Other protective gear such as hoods, aprons and gloves will also be supplied.

Facility assessments

Facility TB IC needs assessments have been done in majority (70%) of all the high volume hospitals in Kenya and all of them have had funds advanced to them for sensitization of HMTs and staff from high risk areas.

Capacity building

All the thirteen high volume hospitals have teams (NO, lab, PHO and IC focal person) trained on TB IC. More trainings are planned under Global fund and TB CARE support.