Implementing infection control programmes in Kano Northern Nigeria

A lack of infection control awareness among health care workers at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital resulted in poor waste segregation and disposal, avoidable needle stick injuries, poor suction machine/catheter care and a high rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), a dedicated infection control nurses was appointed with support from the management and was not only able to improve the areas of poor practice but also reduced the hospital acquired infection rate which decreased from 5.8% in 2003 to 2.8% by 2006, and CAUTI and nosocomial pneumonia rates from 33% and 6% respectively.