Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with the healthcare sector, observed Infection Prevention and Control Week from October 18 to 23. The event, held under the theme "Generations of Infection Prevention. Past, Present, Protected," aimed to raise public and professional awareness about the significance of infection prevention measures and to reinforce practices that safeguard patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community.
The observance coincided with the World Infection Prevention and Control Week and was marked by a series of activities designed to highlight ongoing efforts in the field. A key component was a virtual seminar organised jointly by the MoPH and the World Health Organization (WHO). This seminar addressed the history of infection prevention and control, discussed Qatar’s National Infection Control Programme, and examined how innovation and technology contribute to advancing infection control strategies.
Various awareness initiatives took place across healthcare facilities, targeting healthcare professionals, patients and their relatives, visitors, and community members. These activities focused on enhancing preparedness for early identification of infection risks and outbreak management, while also showcasing emerging initiatives, digital technologies, and innovations supporting infection prevention and control endeavors.
Dr. Ameena al-Fakhro, director of the MoPH’s Healthcare Quality Department, underscored the ongoing importance of national efforts to strengthen infection prevention and control as a critical factor in elevating healthcare quality. She emphasized the preventive role of healthcare professionals in reducing infection risks within medical settings, noting that success should be gauged not only by the management of infection cases but, more importantly, by their prevention.
“This year’s theme reflects the importance of building on the accumulated experience and achievements in the field of infection prevention and control, promoting evidence-based practices, and leveraging modern technologies and innovations to develop prevention methods and enable the early detection of risks, thereby contributing to the protection of patients, healthcare professionals and members of the community,” Dr. al-Fakhro said.
The 2026 celebration also paid tribute to healthcare pioneers whose dedication laid the groundwork for modern infection control, while recognizing the daily contributions of infection prevention specialists and frontline healthcare workers.
In addition, the MoPH launched a comprehensive awareness campaign stressing that infection prevention responsibilities extend beyond professionals to include the general public. The campaign highlighted that adherence to preventive measures and safe practices is crucial in reducing transmission and enhancing healthcare quality. It also aimed to increase national understanding of progress made in infection control—from foundational practices to the integration of surveillance systems, data analytics, and cutting-edge technologies. Emphasis was placed on how these innovations complement, rather than replace, the expertise and efforts of healthcare specialists.