Denial, Media and Endurance in Infection Control in Kosova

Authors

  • Lul Raka National Institute of Public Health of Kosova and Medical School, Prishtina University
  • Gjyle Mulliqi National Institute of Public Health of Kosova and Medical School, Prishtina University
  • Isuf Dedushaj National Institute of Public Health of Kosova and Medical School, Prishtina University
  • Selvete Krasniqi National Institute of Public Health of Kosova and Medical School, Prishtina University
  • Tahire Gjergji National Institute of Public Health of Kosova and Medical School, Prishtina University
  • Avdyl Krasniqi University Clinical Centre of Kosova and medical School, Prishtina University
  • Drita Salihu National Institute of Public Health of Kosova and Medical School, Prishtina University
  • Gazmend Spahija University Clinical Center of Kosova

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v5i1.2609

Abstract

Nosocomial infections constitute an important public health problem in developing and transitional countries. Kosova is the poorest country in Europe and communicable diseases are a major health problem. The annual per capita government expenditure in health care is only 35 €. Infection control in Kosova is in its infancy. The main challenges in this field are the lack of financial support and political commitment, an inadequate number of trained personnel, overcrowded wards, poor management and technological gap. In the past, infection control was limited to passive monitoring. Nosocomial infections were denied or hidden by hospital administrators. The public and mass media have had a great impact on the initiation of governmental activities in the field of safety and quality in health care institutions. A turning point in the approach to infection control was pressure from the mass media after an MRSA outbreak in the ICU during December 2005. Government has institutionalized infection control through the National Committee for Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections. Although devoid of any funding, the committee is making small steps towards ensuring safer care in health care institutions. Future steps in infection control should ensure the sustainability of any initiated activities.

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Author Biography

Lul Raka, National Institute of Public Health of Kosova and Medical School, Prishtina University

Microbiology

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Published

2009-03-13

How to Cite

Raka, L., Mulliqi, G., Dedushaj, I., Krasniqi, S., Gjergji, T., Krasniqi, A., Salihu, D., & Spahija, G. (2009). Denial, Media and Endurance in Infection Control in Kosova. International Journal of Infection Control, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v5i1.2609

Issue

Section

Practice Forum