Health workers from various medical backgrounds are optimistic for their future in the field of Infection Prevention and Control-IPC, after successfully completing their IPC Fellowship program.
During the first Cohort dissemination workshop in Kampala this week, the graduates revealed how impactful the program has been, and how they hope to immensely contribute to the nation while focusing their efforts to the field of Infection prevention and control.
Bernadette Namugema, the currently IPC nurse in-charge at Mulago National Referral hospital said that the fellowship has equipped her with formal, specialized, evidence-based practices, and she hopes to become a distinguished IPC lecturer at Makerere university, to shape the next generation while serving as a transformative change agent at her work place.
Namugema carried out a study about improving hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers at Mulago National Referral Hospital Eye and Ent Ward.
Dr Charles Ntambi Mbadhi, a medical doctor from Kampala Hospital who carried out a study about quality improvement project hand hygiene compliance among the health workers at Kampala hospital, noted that the fellowship equipped him with advanced knowledge to build upon his clinical background and continue championing evidence-based IPC best practice as a mentor.
“Looking ahead, I aim at becoming an esteemed IPC leader, spearheading initiatives and policy development to elevate Uganda’s standards nationally and internationally. I aspire to establish a legacy as a distinguished IPC trailblazer”. Dr. Ntambi revealed.
Seasoned principal nursing officer, Florence Ayoo from Kiruddu National Referral Hospital revealed how the fellowship has positioned her as an IPC evolving into a sustainable, robust national program supported by skilled practitioners.
She added “This specialized expertise will drive improvement and fortify Uganda’s healthcare system against infectious threats”.
Grace Musiimire, a nursing officer at Mengo Hospital is grateful how the fellowship has equipped her with specialized knowledge to prevent infection spread, monitor trends, investigate outbreaks, implement control measures, and provide effective training.
“I am excited to enhance my research capabilities while building lasting capacity in this critical domain to safeguard healthcare quality” Musiimire further noted.
Harriet Kembabazi, a senior nursing officer currently employed by the Ministry of Health, who said the program will help her make lasting impacts in IPC policy, capacity building and sustainable healthcare delivery.
Other graduates of IPC first Cohort include; Joyline Kanyunyuzi, a nursing officer from Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, and Robert Gatama nursing officer specializing in infection prevention and control.
The fellowship is a partnership between Makerere University School of Public Health, Health Ministry and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-CDC.
