by Ayomide Otitoju
The World Health Organization (WHO) regularly updates its guidance for policymakers and health workers as new information and data come in.
Today, two infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines were issued: an updated Infection prevention and control in the context of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a living guideline, and a new guidance on Infection prevention and control guideline for Ebola and Marburg disease. IPC guidance aims to protect patients, staff and visitors wherever health services are delivered.
The COVID-19 IPC guidelines are living documents that are updated regularly. The latest update focuses on strategies for identifying and managing SARS-CoV-2 infections in health and care workers, such as screening and testing.
WHO’s new guidelines on IPC for Ebola/Marburg is the first comprehensive evidence-based guidelines on these measures from WHO. Ebola and Marburg disease outbreaks remain important public health threats, affecting the most vulnerable populations. The guidelines cover:
IPC ring approach once a case is identified
screening, triage, and isolation
managing health and care workers following an exposure
personal protective equipment
hand hygiene, glove disinfection
cleaning & disinfection of environment
waste management
handling of deceased individuals with Ebola/Marburg
WHO calls for more robust evidence on IPC measures for Ebola and Marburg disease, to identify and support best practices, and to help people better adhere to them to save lives and prevent disease.
