Jails, Infection Prevention and Control, Infectious Disease in Jails, JOAC Research, NJMPTI 

The potential for communicable disease transmission in prison settings is high. Undeniably, the crowded conditions that exist in most jails and prisons create an ideal environment for the transmission of contagious diseases. Infection Prevention and Control in jails must be implemented to halt the spread of infectious diseases in jails since their prevalence is estimated to be larger than in outside communities. Initially, the IPC of the BJMP jails was realized because of the TB and HIV program. The COVID-19 pandemic gave emphasis to the implementation and strengthening of IPC measures in jails. The study aims to assess the implementation of infection prevention and control programs in selected jails in CALABARZON. This is a qualitative study that employed purposeful sampling. Jails with the highest number of Persons Deprived of Liberty detained in each type of jail were chosen as study sites. The researchers conducted jail audits in selected jails to profile the demographics. A review of documents and records was done to check for the existing policy, and training/seminars conducted. Key informant interviews were also undertaken to look into the status of IPC implementation and issues and concerns in the implementation of infection prevention and control in their jails. Results showed that the infection prevention and control (IPC) program in the four jails assessed in CALABARZON was well implemented in terms of its environmental control, protection of healthcare personnel, and healthcare waste management. Thus, these jails can focus on their continuous improvement or sustenance. However, the IPC program on organization and operations, technical guidelines, activities, and surveillance need significant improvement. The Health Service can concentrate its efforts on training and updating the skills of the personnel involved in IPC, identifying possible sources of budget and allocation especially on prepositioning logistical needs, and improving coordination mechanisms with local health offices to request assistance as needed.