EXPLORING INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES USED BY TRADITIONAL PRACTITIONERS IN RWANDA.

Background: Traditional Practitioners (TPs) serve as primary healthcare providers in Rwanda, offering culturally relevant healing methods. Despite their importance, there's a lack of understanding regarding their infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Materials and Methods: The study conducted in-depth interviews with Traditional Practitioners (TPs) in four Rwandan districts. Results: Four main themes emerged from 50 interviews in this study. 1) Many day-to-day traditional medicine procedures pose risks of infection to Traditional Practitioners. 2) TPs' concepts and understanding of infection are often basic and not evidence based. 3) TPs' beliefs and attitudes toward infection prevention and control may not prioritize patient-centered care. 4) TPs employ various IPC measures, including some scientifically questionable or incorrect practices. Discussion: Challenges such as lack of formal medical training and resources hinder effective IPC practices among Traditional Practitioners (TPs). Addressing the gaps in IPC practices among Traditional Practitioners (TPs) is crucial for promoting patient safety and public health in Rwanda. Improving IPC knowledge and practices, providing comprehensive training, and institutionalizing traditional medicine are recommended. Additionally, more research is needed to support the effectiveness and safety of traditional healing practices.