Infection Prevention and Control in Pandemic Preparedness
Tracks
Meeting Room 1.40
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 |
| 10:31 AM - 11:00 AM |
Overview
Speaker: Dr Iman Heweidy
Speaker
Dr Iman Heweidy
WHO EMRO
Infection Prevention and Control in Pandemic Preparedness
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed the indispensable role of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in strengthening global health resilience. This presentation explores IPC as a foundational element in pandemic preparedness, particularly in the context of public health emergencies (PHEs) and humanitarian crises. It highlights the critical function of IPC in protecting healthcare workers, maintaining essential health services, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Special attention is given to the role of IPC in low-resource settings, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and the need for sustained political and financial commitment.
The session will examine the persistent challenges faced in implementing IPC measures during emergencies, including disrupted health systems, limited infrastructure, and workforce constraints. Drawing on field experiences, the presentation will also spotlight emerging opportunities and key WHO IPC resources that can support countries in advancing sustainable, context-adapted IPC programs.
By sharing practical insights and strategic recommendations, this session aims to inspire action toward embedding IPC into national preparedness frameworks—ensuring that health systems are better equipped to respond to future pandemics and protect the most vulnerable populations.
The session will examine the persistent challenges faced in implementing IPC measures during emergencies, including disrupted health systems, limited infrastructure, and workforce constraints. Drawing on field experiences, the presentation will also spotlight emerging opportunities and key WHO IPC resources that can support countries in advancing sustainable, context-adapted IPC programs.
By sharing practical insights and strategic recommendations, this session aims to inspire action toward embedding IPC into national preparedness frameworks—ensuring that health systems are better equipped to respond to future pandemics and protect the most vulnerable populations.
Biography
Dr. Iman I. Heweidy is a fellow in Clinical Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. She currently serves as the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Technical Officer at the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO EMRO), a role she has held for the past four years. In this capacity, she leads efforts to strengthen IPC implementation across the region’s 22 countries, working closely with national authorities and key stakeholders.
With nearly two decades of experience in IPC, Dr. Heweidy brings deep expertise in both national and regional contexts, particularly in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable (FCV) settings. She has played a pivotal role in supporting member states to implement IPC core components and improve health system resilience.
Dr. Heweidy’s contributions span IPC governance, capacity building, guideline development, and emergency response. Her work has been widely recognized, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she played a key role in coordinating the regional IPC response.
In 2022, she was honored with the WHO Regional Director’s Award for Excellence in recognition of her outstanding service.
She also maintains strong ties with the Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN), having previously served as a board member.
