Evaluation of Institutional Policies for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections in General Referral Hospitals in Ituri Province, DR. Congo

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate institutional policies and practices for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the general referral hospitals (GRHs) of Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Methods: A descriptive and analytical quantitative approach was adopted, involving 356 healthcare professionals from 18 GRHs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS, employing statistical tests such as chi-square and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.  Results: The findings reveal significant disparities between faith-based and public hospitals. A written policy for infection control was reported in 57.9% of faith-based hospitals compared to only 15.7% of public hospitals (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: [0.15–0.41]; p = 0.000). Similarly, the availability of functional committees, meeting minutes, and information systems was significantly higher in faith-based institutions (p < 0.05). Hand hygiene was identified as the main preventive measure (38.8%), with no significant difference between hospital types (p = 0.094), while additional precautions were more frequently implemented in faith-based hospitals (OR = 0.43; CI: [0.20–0.91]).  Conclusion: Public hospitals exhibit major structural and functional deficiencies in the fight against HAIs, underscoring the urgent need for reforms in governance, staff training, and provision of adequate equipment. An effective response to HAIs requires a systemic and integrated approach, mobilizing institutional, human, and material resources in a coordinated manner to ensure quality care and patient safety across all hospitals in Ituri Province.