HAI surveillance launched in Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences

Pokhara, Gandaki Province – The Nursing and Social Security Division (NSSD), under the Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Food Safety (MoHFS), in collaboration with the WHO Country Office for Nepal and with support from the Pandemic Fund, conducted a three-day capacity-building training on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance at Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PoAHS) from 9-11 July. Following the training, 16 doctors and nurses enhanced their skills in national HAI surveillance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which include different types of HAIs case definitions as well as methods for case identification and calculation of HAIs rates and ratios. In addition, participants were trained in data management using the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS), with the aim of managing HAI surveillance data on a centralized platform that enables integrated surveillance, standardized reporting and timely decision-making. The event formally initiated HAI surveillance at PoAHS, marking an important milestone in implementing Nepal's National HAI Surveillance Programme. Conducted in line with the national SOPs and WHO-adapted case definitions, the training strengthened the infection prevention and control programme, and enhanced patient safety and improved Nepal's capacity to detect, monitor and respond to HAIs and public health emergencies.