Evaluating infection prevention and control programs in Zambian hospitals using the WHO infection prevention and control assessment framework (IPCAF) tool

Background: Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is key to preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the implementation of IPC in Zambian hospitals. Materials and methods: We conducted a multicentric cross-sectional study in nine hospitals across Zambia using the WHO IPCAF tool. Data were collected from September 1 to 30, 2024 and analyzed using the self-scoring Excel and IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results: Out of the nine hospitals assessed, four were tertiary-level hospitals while the rest were secondary-level hospitals. Overall, the implementation of IPC core components was intermediate (IPCAF Score of 594 out of 800). Four hospitals had IPCAF scores between 401 and 600, indicating an intermediate level of IPC implementation. Five hospitals scored between 601 and 800, indicating an advanced implementation of IPC in these hospitals. Three tertiary hospitals scored between 601 and 800, demonstrating their advanced implementation of IPC core components. Conclusion: This study found that the overall implementation of IPC in the surveyed hospitals was intermediate, indicating that further improvements were needed. There is a need to provide peer-learning support and strengthen IPC implementation to respond to new or re-emerging infections and AMR in the country and beyond.