Regional Meeting on Infection Prevention and Control: Beyond COVID-19, March 2021

Abstract

This document presents the main topics, debates, and challenges in the implementation of infection prevention and control (ICP) programs in the Region of the Americas, gathered from the key actors who participated in the Regional Meeting on Infection Prevention and Control. In addition to general conceptual presentations, real life experiences from some of the countries were also presented, followed by the exchange of experiences in small working groups. With this conceptual and applied approach the following topics were discussed: advances in the organization and structure of IPC programs; the development and implementation of guidelines; education and training; surveillance of health care-associated infections; and monitoring, evaluation and reporting of results. Among the conclusions, advances in the entire Region were highlighted, even when there is a heterogeneity in situations, and it was recommended to strengthen the IPC programs at the national and local levels, through the allocation of budget and personnel.