Evolution of infection control in Egypt: Achievements and challenges

Background: The high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egypt highlighted the urgent need for implementing infection control (IC) programs in Egypt. Objectives: The Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), in collaboration with the US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3. and the World Health Organization (WHO), developed a national plan to initiate an IC program with the objectives of improving quality of care and reducing transmission of hospital-acquired infections. Methods: The strategic plan for this program included setting up an organizational structure, developing IC national guidelines, training health care workers, promoting occupational safety, and establishing a system for monitoring and evaluation. Implementation of the program started in late 2001. Results: The achievements to date include developing a national organizational structure, IC guidelines, and a comprehensive IC training program. To date, a total of 72 hospitals in 13 governorates have been enrolled in the program, and 235 IC professionals have been trained. Conclusions: Many challenges were faced, including administrative, financial, and motivational difficulties. Future plans include expansion of the program to cover all 27 governorates of Egypt and establishment of a surveillance system for hospital-acquired infections. The process of developing the IC program in Egypt may serve as a model for other resource-limited countries that seek to initiate similar programs.