Evaluation of Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Primary Healthcare Centres in Nnewi, Anambra State

Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) is fundamental to safe healthcare delivery, yet implementation at primary healthcare level in Nigeria frequently falls short of national and international standards. This study evaluated the status of IPC practices across 12 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Nnewi North and Nnewi South local government areas, Anambra State, in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating structured observational checklists based on WHO IPC minimum requirements, key informant interviews with facility in-charges, and microbiological surface sampling from high-contact areas. IPC assessment covered waste segregation, hand hygiene infrastructure, sharps disposal, standard precautions use, and sterilization practices. Only 33.3 percent of assessed PHCs met at least 70 percent of WHO IPC minimum requirements. Hand hygiene facilities were absent or non-functional in 58.3 percent of facilities. Sharps disposal boxes were used inconsistently in 75 percent of facilities. Surface swabs from high-contact areas grew pathogens in 62 percent of samples. Key barriers identified included inadequate funding, insufficient trained IPC focal personnel, and poor management accountability. The findings indicate critical IPC gaps at primary care level in Nnewi and recommend mandatory IPC officer appointments at all PHCs, dedicated IPC budget lines, and quarterly facility IPC audits by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Keywords: infection prevention and control, primary healthcare, Anambra, IPC assessment, hospital hygiene.