In the busy corridors of seven primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Lagos, a revolution in infection prevention was taking place. Across these facilities in Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, and Badagry, health workers were rolling up their sleeves, not just to treat patients, but to transform the way care is delivered. DRASA Health Trust, in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, launched the Primary Healthcare Hand Hygiene initiative to tackle the very real threat of infections acquired during care.
The initiative reached 201 doctors, nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists, community health workers, cleaners, and security staff. Through innovative, hands-on training sessions on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), they learned the correct steps of handwashing, proper use of personal protective equipment, respiratory hygiene, environmental cleaning, and waste management. Health workers also engaged in “Hand Hygiene Cafés” and interactive experience sharing sessions that made learning practical, memorable, and fun.
Before the training, DRASA conducted baseline assessments using tools from the World Health Organization to understand existing hand hygiene practices. These assessments revealed gaps that could compromise patient safety. “I didn’t realize some of the small habits we ignored could put our patients at risk,” said Mrs. Funke Ajayi, a nurse at one of the PHCs. “The training opened my eyes and showed me practical ways to improve.”
DRASA didn’t just teach skills, we equipped the PHCs. We distributed handwashing stations, gloves, sanitizers, and educational materials to ensure health workers could immediately apply what they learned. The Officers in Charge of the facilities and the facility IPC focal persons developed action plans for each facility to monitor compliance and sustain improvements over time. By the end of the project, knowledge of hand hygiene and infection prevention had increased by nearly 50% among participants, setting a new standard for patient care in these facilities.
The initiative also brought leaders together. Officers-in-Charge, Medical Officers for Health, and state PHC officials participated in a session to disseminate baseline findings, share insights, and integrate recommendations into ongoing facility operations. “When the people responsible for daily operations understand the importance of controlling infections, it changes the culture,” said Dr. Akiolu Modinat of the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board.
Through this initiative, DRASA and partners demonstrated that protecting patients begins with empowering the hands that heal. By combining training, practical tools, and leadership engagement, this has strengthened infection prevention across Lagos’ primary healthcare network, ensuring safer care within the seven facilities.
As the project closes its first chapter, the focus now shifts to sustainability, supportive supervisory visits, supporting PHCs to implement monitoring systems, updating action plans, on-the-job mentoring, and embedding a culture of hygiene, infection control, and safety.