In its ongoing efforts to enhance research quality and strengthen operational compliance, the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) recently conducted an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training session for its research staff.

The session was facilitated by Sekayi Felida Tigere, Laboratory Research Associate, who highlighted the critical importance of adhering to standard precautions to safeguard staff, patients, and research participants in both clinical and laboratory settings.

Key areas covered included hand hygiene, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental cleaning, waste management, and the safe handling of specimens and sharps.

She emphasised that effective IPC is a shared responsibility, requiring strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), continuous training, and ongoing quality improvement to minimise healthcare-associated infections. The training featured practical demonstrations and real-life scenarios designed to foster a strong culture of safety, accountability, and excellence across research and clinical environments.

By integrating practical guidance on community engagement, participant management, and IPC, the SOP training underscores CIDRZ’s unwavering commitment to research excellence, staff safety, and the delivery of high-quality health programmes that positively impact communities across Zambia.