KISORO UGANDA: Kisoro Institute of Health Sciences has officially launched a monthly cleaning exercise at Kisoro Hospital as part of efforts to promote sanitation, strengthen infection prevention and protect patients, health workers and caregivers from hospital-acquired infections.
The initiative is intended to complement the daily cleaning routines at the health facility by mobilising stakeholders to participate in maintaining a clean and safe hospital environment.
The exercise brings together Kisoro Institute of Health Sciences, Kisoro Hospital management and Bashitsi Foundation, which supports the initiative in honour of the legacy of its founder, the late Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, a former Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Hospital-acquired infections are infections that patients develop while receiving healthcare and that were not present or incubating when they arrived at the health facility. Such infections can affect patients, particularly those who are already vulnerable because of illness, surgery or weakened immunity.
Proper cleaning and disinfection of hospital surfaces, appropriate waste management, hand hygiene and adherence to infection prevention guidelines are among the measures that help reduce the risk of these infections.
Speaking during the launch on Saturday, John Mathew Maniragaba confirmed that the cleaning exercise would be conducted monthly. He also appreciated the hospital management for supporting the initiative and working with the institute to promote hygiene at the facility.
Maniragaba said the monthly exercise would provide an opportunity for continued collaboration among the different stakeholders in maintaining sanitation standards at the hospital.
CUE IN JOHN MATHEW MANIRAGABA ON CLEANING
Meanwhile, Eric Mbonye, the General Secretary of Bashitsi Foundation, acknowledged the Mateke family for its contribution to Kisoro Hospital and its support for Kisoro Institute of Health Sciences.
Mbonye noted the importance of cooperation between the foundation, the institute and the hospital in supporting activities aimed at improving the healthcare environment.
He also indicated that the foundation was able to support the institute in carrying out the cleaning exercise, emphasising the importance of maintaining a clean environment as the hospital continues to provide healthcare services to the community.
Bashitsi Foundation was established by the late Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, who served as Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
CUE IN ERIC MBONYE ON FOUNDATION
The Medical Superintendent of Kisoro Hospital, Dr Emmanuel Bahane, welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the monthly cleaning exercise would contribute to improved healthcare services and strengthen efforts to prevent infections within the facility.
Bahane noted that Kisoro Hospital receives many patients seeking medical attention, making proper sanitation and hygiene essential to protecting both patients and the people who care for them.
He explained that maintaining a clean hospital environment is an important part of providing quality healthcare because patients require surroundings that support their recovery and reduce their exposure to avoidable health risks.
The medical superintendent also called on members of the public to embrace proper sanitation and hygiene practices, particularly during the rainy season, when stagnant water, poor drainage and inadequate waste disposal can contribute to public health challenges.
He urged the community to take responsibility for cleanliness both within healthcare facilities and in their homes and surrounding communities.
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The Guild President of Kisoro Institute of Health Sciences also explained the importance of the cleaning exercise, describing it as an intervention aimed at promoting a cleaner hospital environment and supporting the wellbeing of patients.
The guild president emphasised the importance of maintaining sanitation in healthcare settings, where patients, health professionals, students and caregivers interact daily.
The exercise also provides an opportunity for health sciences students to participate in practical activities that promote hygiene and reinforce the importance of infection prevention in healthcare delivery.
Jackline Uwihanye, the Woman Councillor representing Karambi A and Nyarubuye Sub-county, commended Kisoro Institute of Health Sciences and the hospital management for their efforts to improve services at the health facility.
Uwihanye recognised the importance of maintaining cleanliness in healthcare institutions and encouraged continued cooperation among stakeholders to support better service delivery.
Her remarks highlighted the role that local leaders and community members can play in promoting sanitation and supporting healthcare facilities in serving the public.
CUE IN GUILD PRESIDENT AND JACKLINE UWIHANYE ON VOX POP
The monthly cleaning exercise has reportedly been taking place for the past four months, although the hospital continues to conduct routine cleaning on a daily basis.
The formalisation of the monthly activity is expected to strengthen the existing sanitation efforts by providing a regular opportunity for coordinated participation and support from the institute, hospital management and Bashitsi Foundation.
The initiative underscores the importance of combining routine hospital cleaning with broader infection prevention measures, including handwashing, proper waste disposal, safe handling of medical equipment and adherence to established healthcare standards.
As Kisoro Hospital continues to receive patients from Kisoro District and surrounding communities, maintaining proper sanitation remains an important part of creating a safer environment for healthcare delivery.
