COVID-19: EU-WHO projects to strengthen infection prevention control and surveillance capacity in Azerbaijan

The WHO office in Azerbaijan, as part of the EU-funded Solidarity for Health Initiative and COVID-19 Vaccination and Vaccine Preparedness projects, has assessed the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) situation in eight COVID-19 vaccination sites and five primary health care facilities.

The assessment was conducted in five conflict affected districts (Barda, Agdam, Fuzuli, Tartar and Agjabadi), Absheron district and Sumgait city.

The initiative aims to ensure that vaccination is carried out safely without an additional risk of COVID-19 or other infections to patients. The assessment at the primary healthcare centres will inform the creation of national primary healthcare guidance, which can be used much beyond the current emergency. 

During the assessments, many posters on hand hygiene were distributed, and up-to-date recommendations on hand hygiene were shared with the health care facility staff and managers. Also, open-air training sessions were held on the principles of infection prevention and control for primary healthcare professionals and vaccinators.

In addition, Hygiene and Epidemiology Centres in Barda, Tartar, and Agdam were assessed for capabilities to perform surveillance, case investigations and contact tracing. Vaccine storages at the facilities were checked to ensure adequate temperature control and safe storage of supply.

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Press release