13th October 2024 – Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) celebrated International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) on Sunday, 13th October 2024, under the global theme “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention.” The event aimed to raise awareness about infection control measures, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the nation and international experts to address pressing issues in infection prevention.
The event was officiated by the Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health, in his capacity as Chairman and Executive Director of Jerudong Park Medical Centre. In his opening address, Yang Berhormat Dato emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention,” highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance safety, health, and well-being within healthcare systems and the broader community. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, he commended the comprehensive infection control programs of Jerudong Park Medical Centre and Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, which were vital in managing the outbreak.
Yang Berhormat Dato also acknowledged global advancements in infection prevention, including the development of improved protocols, vaccines, and heightened public awareness of hygiene practices. However, he highlighted the persistent challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and disparities in healthcare access, stressing the need for continuous action. He outlined key strategies to further infection prevention, focusing on education, fostering partnerships, embracing technological innovations, and ensuring equitable healthcare access. He called upon healthcare professionals and the public to remain steadfast in these efforts, not only during International Infection Prevention Week but every day, to secure a safer, healthier future for all.
JPMC had the honour of hosting Dr. Leong Hoe Nam, Medical Director and Consultant Infectious Disease Physician at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore. Dr. Leong delivered two highly informative plenary sessions. His first presentation focused on the “Updates on Pneumococcal Disease and Prevention,” where he shared the latest research and prevention strategies to combat this serious infection. In his second plenary session, he discussed “Real Evidence of the Impact and Effectiveness of HPV Vaccination,” highlighting the success of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in reducing infection rates and improving patient outcomes globally.
Dr. Josephine Paz Arocayos Javina, General Practitioner at JPMC, delivered an insightful presentation on “Antibiotic Stewardship: JPMC Perspective,” shedding light on how JPMC is implementing responsible antibiotic usage to prevent the rise of antimicrobial resistance, a growing global health threat.
Representatives from other hospitals in Brunei also contributed to the event’s robust agenda. Dr. Hajah Riamiza Natalie binti Haji Momin, Infectious Diseases Consultant and Deputy Head, Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, presented on “Moving the Needle on Infection Control: What It Means in the Brunei Context,” providing a localized perspective on infection prevention initiatives and the challenges faced by Brunei’s healthcare system. Additionally, Dr Ramghat Mallikarjuna Vishwanathan, Specialist Intensivist, Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, spoke on “Overview of Central Line Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) in Neurocritical Care Unit,” discussing the efforts to reduce hospital-acquired infections, particularly in high-risk critical care environments.
This year’s theme, “Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention,” reflects the global imperative for both healthcare providers and the public to take proactive steps in advancing infection control. For healthcare professionals, the theme serves as a reminder to continuously evolve infection prevention practices, adopt new technologies, and apply data-driven approaches to reduce infection risks. The healthcare sector plays a pivotal role in not only protecting patients but also in educating the public on infection prevention strategies.
For the wider public, this year’s message emphasizes the importance of everyday actions such as practicing good hand hygiene, adhering to vaccination schedules, and understanding the responsible use of antibiotics. By fostering a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals and the community, the fight against preventable infections can be strengthened, resulting in improved public health outcomes.
JPMC’s observance of IIPW 2024 emphasizes its commitment to maintaining high standards of healthcare and ensuring patient safety. Through events like these, JPMC aims to reinforce the message that infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility and to encourage the adoption of best practices within Brunei’s healthcare institutions and the community at large.
