WHO assessed the infection prevention and control situation in the conflict-affected regions of Azerbaijan

Given its importance, WHO Country Office in Azerbaijan organized a mission to assess the IPC situation in the conflict-affected regions in the country, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and TABIB. The mission was part of the Solidarity for Health Initiative project funded by the European Union and implemented by WHO Azerbaijan.

The mission team visited Barda, Tartar, Aghdam, Aghjabadi, and Fuzuli districts and assessed both the existing infection control standards and the ability of facilities to manage infection prevention and control in the context of increasing COVID-19 cases. Key areas assessed included screening & triage, intensive care units, maternity, sterilization, and surgical programs, as well as facility waste management in the health facilities in the mentioned districts.

The mission team also held discussions with hospital directors on how the best IPC needs within their facilities can be supported, and WHO experts provided recommendations on how to improve IPC based on WHO guidelines. Responsive trainings were then held with the participation of 100 staff members from seven health facilities, including doctors, epidemiologists, nurses, and other health workers to cover key elements of infection prevention and control which had been identified as high priority within the assessment visits. Trainings were held over multiple sessions and in line with current COVID-19 restrictions and IPC advice.