The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) will mark International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) from October 18 to 24, 2026, through a series of awareness and educational activities held under the theme, “Generations of Infection Prevention | Past. Present. Protected.”

The theme highlights the evolution of infection prevention practices over time, drawing on lessons from previous generations, modern scientific advancements, and ongoing efforts to protect patients, healthcare workers, communities and future generations.

Dr. Khalid Elawad, Manager of Health Protection at PHCC, said infection prevention and control remains a fundamental component of patient safety and healthcare quality. He noted that PHCC’s participation in the international event aims to strengthen awareness efforts across health centres while encouraging employees, patients and visitors to adopt preventive health measures in their everyday lives.

Dr. Elawad explained that infection prevention has developed significantly throughout history, evolving from basic practices such as hygiene, isolation and avoiding sources of infection into a comprehensive, evidence-based system designed to safeguard both individuals and communities.

He added that PHCC implements an extensive infection prevention and control programme across all its facilities. The programme includes adherence to standard precautions, hand hygiene protocols, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, safe injection procedures, environmental cleaning and disinfection, safe waste management practices, and ongoing educational initiatives for staff, patients and visitors.

As part of the IIPW campaign, PHCC health centres will host a variety of educational and interactive activities targeting employees, patients, visitors, school students and individuals receiving Home Health Care Services. Planned events include lectures, short workshops, awareness competitions, educational displays in waiting areas, dedicated information booths and interactive sessions encouraging healthy preventive behaviours.

PHCC will also collaborate with the School Health Department to extend awareness programmes to students, while coordinating with Home Health Care Services to reach patients and their families at home.

Throughout the week, daily awareness messages will focus on key topics linked to the 2026 campaign, including hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette such as proper coughing and sneezing practices, vaccination, safe injection procedures, correct use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleanliness.

Educational content will be displayed on screens across PHCC health centres, as well as in corridors and waiting areas. Awareness cards in both Arabic and English will be shared through PHCC’s official communication channels and social media platforms in cooperation with the Corporate Communications Department.

In addition, PHCC employees will receive daily awareness emails during the campaign, while patients and visitors will be encouraged to provide feedback on the activities. The feedback will be used to evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness and support the development of future health awareness initiatives.