EU-WHO projects support building infection prevention and control, surveillance capacity in Azerbaijan

The assessment of COVID-19 vaccination sites was conducted 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 centers will inform the creation of national primary healthcare guidance as requested by key national partners. Many posters on hand hygiene were distributed during the assessments, and up-to-date recommendations on hand hygiene were shared with the health care facility staff and managers.

Open-air training sessions were held on the principles of infection prevention and control for 25 primary healthcare professionals and vaccinators. The physically distanced training sessions included principles of infection control and hand hygiene, injection safety for vaccination and COVID-19 safety for communities. 

In addition to the above activities, Hygiene and Epidemiology Centers 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. 

These activities will contribute to the improvement of the infection prevention and control system and surveillance in Azerbaijan, that will last much beyond the current emergency.