Lifebox Claims Making Significant Strides in Reducing Surgical Site Infections in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa  December 7/2023 (ENA) The Clean Cut initiative implemented in 22 health institutions in Ethiopia over the past few years has made significant strides in reducing surgical site infections in the country, according to Lifebox  Foundation.  

The initiative implemented by Lifebox in 22 Ethiopian health facilities has achieved a 35 percent reduction in infections and a 46 percent relative risk reduction for high compliance with infection prevention strategies, according to a survey made in the five pilot sites.

 

Speaking at the Annual Scientific Conference of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) held in Addis Ababa today, Lifebox Ethiopia Director Tihitena Nigussie said surgical site infections are a major concern, especially in low and middle income  countries where patients are more vulnerable to infection and resources are limited. 

“Clean Cut has shown remarkable results in reducing infections and improving patient outcomes, and we are thrilled to share our progress with the wider surgical community,” she added. 

The initiative utilizes the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist and works with the entire operating room team to improve compliance with critical infection prevention standards, proven to reduce risks, it was learned. 

Surgery and Anesthesia Program Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, Abiy Dawit said the ministry has been working to implement WHO recommended safety measures.

The experiences of Lifebox Clean Cut initiative should be shared to other hospitals in the country, he added. 

“This initiative aligns 100 percent with the work the Ministry of Health is doing. The initiative was implemented in some hospitals, but Ministry of Health has 300 up to 400 hospitals.”

According to him, the ministry has been implementing a strategy to improve surgical and anesthesia services.

About 420 operation room blocks have been built and operationalized to provide surgical access, he said.     

The COSECSA event brought together leading stakeholders from the Surgical Society of Ethiopia, Ministry of Health, Smile Train, and other international partners.