The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and antimicrobial resistance are disproportionately higher in Africa and other low-and middle-income countries and result in poor health outcomes. Infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), despite the evidence of effectiveness in curbing HAIs and AMR, are still poorly implemented in Africa. Behind the poor implementation record is a strategic communication gap that we must bridge.

Evidence abounds of successful use of strategic communication in outbreaks to improve adoption/compliance with public health measures including IPC. Success was associated with community engagements and studying population perceptions, framing the right message, amplifying message via multiple channels, building trust, empowering action, etc. However, beyond outbreaks, it has been quite challenging sustaining the gains in IPC and AMS in the health systems. Cultivating commitment to IPC and AMS that will strengthen the health system will require a communication approach that will identify and engage all the stakeholders, studying their unique perceptions, interest and needs, framing the right message and delivering it using multiple channels.

Nigeria has adopted such strategy in her push to institutionalize IPC and AMS in the health system. It started with a driving force in the academia through a training programme, the academia and the national public health institute collaboration, having a national champion, developing a national campaign with a unique vision and strategy, forming local institutional networks, forming community of IPC practitioners supported by the national infection control society, and constant engagement of health facility managers. Commitment is being achieved despite challenges.