Pharmacists trained to combat drug-resistant infections

DODOMA: Commonwealth pharmacists have launched a training programme to equip hospital pharmacists with skills to produce hand sanitisers and enhance infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in response to rising drug-resistant pathogens.

The initiative, organised by the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association in collaboration with the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), took place on Wednesday at St Gemma Hospital in Dodoma.

The CwPAMS 2.0 project coordinator Benard Makala said infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were important in the fight against drug-resistant pathogens.

Makala, a lecturer at the University of Dodoma, noted that the training began last year in various hospitals across Dodoma, Katavi, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya, yielding positive results.

Addressing staff and pharmacists at St Gemma Hospital in Dodoma, Makala noted the significant burden of infections acquired in health facilities nationwide.

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“Tanzania faces a serious issue with drug-resistant pathogens, with an estimated 1.29 million cases recorded in 2020,” he stated.

The training includes general IPC practices and the proper use of hand sanitisers to ensure sustainability.
Participants will also receive raw materials and equipment for hand sanitiser production within the hospital.

Makala explained that this initiative is part of the larger CwPAMS 2.0 project, implemented in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare in the UK and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).

Nine hospitals have benefited from the programme, including Dodoma Christian Medical Centre, Mawenzi Referral Hospital, Igawilo, Viwawa, Barali Hospital and JKCI in Dar es Salaam, all adhering to the 2023-2028 Drug Resistance Control Plan.

Chief Pharmacist at St Gemma Hospital, Mr Ambrose George, acknowledged the value of the training despite its short duration. “It has been incredibly helpful as participants learn hands-on skills,” he said.

George also noted that, alongside the training, they received raw materials and equipment for use in ten key areas of the hospital.

He expressed a commitment to continue training other staff members who missed the initial sessions to further reduce pathogen infections among healthcare workers and patients.