ICRA Training Strengthens Infection Control in Jamaica’s Healthcare Facilities

Kingston, Jamaica, 04 March 2026 (PAHO) - As health facilities continue recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, nearly 60 members of Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) strengthened their capacity to protect patients during construction and maintenance activities through two infection control risk assessment (ICRA) trainings held at the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Jamaica Country Office recently.

Supported by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the trainings brought together public health workers, as well as maintenance and engineering personnel, highlighting that infection prevention in healthcare facilities requires coordinated action. The first session included public health, maintenance, and engineering staff, while the second focused primarily on public health personnel, with some participants joining virtually to broaden participation.

During the 16-hour course, which included small-group workshops, facilitated discussions, and oral presentations, participants applied the concepts to real-world scenarios. They refined their skills in identifying areas and patients most at risk during construction, as well as renovation, maintenance, and repair activities. Participants also defined the scope of tasks, from minor maintenance work to large-scale construction, their association with risk exposures, and applied the ICRA 2.0 five-step process to manage and reduce risks. Construction and maintenance are essential to keeping healthcare facilities operational, particularly during disaster recovery. However, without careful planning and verification of environmental controls, such activities can increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections and disrupt critical clinical services. In this context, ICRA provides a structured framework to classify risk and define appropriate controls.

Participants strengthened their ability to categorize activity types, determine appropriate precaution classes for air and water risks, and prepare comprehensive ICRA and water ICRA plans for healthcare facilities. Environmental testing and monitoring requirements were examined, and staff practiced applying safe work practices using standing orders to ensure that controls are properly implemented and verified.

Learning extended beyond the classroom, as the PAHO/WHO specialist also conducted site visits to Cornwall Regional Hospital, the Pediatric Hospital in Montego Bay, and Falmouth Hospital. During these visits, he observed active construction and maintenance areas, checking airflow pathways, dust generation, housekeeping practices, barrier integrity, utility reliability, planned patient care interruptions, and the feasibility of negative pressure and debris pathways. Some of the participants were also engaged in these field inspections, which reinforced the link between classroom instruction and actual site conditions.

By strengthening skills in risk classification, environmental control planning, and monitoring, the training enhanced the health system's ability to maintain safe clinical environments during construction and maintenance activities. Staff are now better equipped to protect patients, visitors, and colleagues while ensuring continuity of services. The initiative supports the ongoing renovations and construction following Hurricane Melissa's impact on healthcare facilities, contributes to safer facility operations, and reinforces consistent, evidence-based infection prevention practices across Jamaica's healthcare facilities.