Ogun Adopts New Infection Control Manual To Strengthen Patient And Health Worker Safety

Ogun State has formally adopted a new Infection Prevention and Control Manual aimed at boosting patient safety, protecting healthcare workers, and harmonising infection-control practices across all health facilities.

At a validation event in Abeokuta, Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker described the manual as a major step forward for the state’s healthcare system. She noted that recent outbreake from COVID-19 to Lassa fever, cholera, and mpox have shown that strong infection-control structures are essential, not optional.

According to her, the new document will serve as a standard reference for training, supervision, and audits in both public and private facilities. It outlines clear, practical guidance on hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, waste disposal, safe injections, PPE use, and surveillance of hospital-acquired infections.

AFENET’s Regional Technical Coordinator, Dr. Patrick Nguku, in a goodwill message delivered by Dr. Elizabeth Adedire, praised the initiative, saying it reflects true leadership and a commitment to evidence-based healthcare. He added that the manual aligns with national policies and WHO standards.

Other partners including NPHCDA, WHO, and APIN also pledged support for its rollout and long-term implementation.

The move comes as Nigeria continues to struggle with poor health worker safety, marked by inadequate infrastructure, limited PPE, and frequent exposure to workplace hazards. Ogun officials say the new manual is a decisive step toward changing that narrative and strengthening the state’s ability to prevent and manage infectious threats.