<b>Battling infections within: Public health lecture on strategies against nosocomial threats</b>

Background: In this public lecture, we are going to discuss interactively as professionals. While knowledge of the definition of nosocomial infection can be presumed, especially given Artificial Intelligence and Google, reflective discussions are still imperative. For instance, 3-themes including epidemiology, laboratory-based iatrogenic infections cum preventive practices, and then knowledge and practice gap in nosocomial surveillance; are some of the areas requiring update.

Objective: This lecture is focused to reflect on what we know, where the limitations and challenges are in clinical laboratory practice, and how we can do better in identifying and preventing a broader scope of nosocomial infections.

Context: Firstly, where are our functions in the clinical science and service? Here, we need to reflect to identify the potential of applying teaching-research nexus in nosocomial infections, especially and laboratory perspective that are often missed in discussions. Secondly, what does the history of nosocomial infection in the past tell us? This would take us on a brief reflection on the scope of infective organisms; including a touch on environmental sanitation factors of hospital acquired infections (HAIs). Thirdly and lastly, how is the current diagnostic and surveillance practices of nosocomial infections in Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, matched with the global epidemiology? This would lead us to reflect on some of the current gaps in our knowledge and practice, with a view to identify potential research needs as well as toggle our systems’ current capacity, motivation, and opportunities (CMO) towards behavioural change wheel.

Take home message: Let our research interest in nosocomial infections consider health promotion and preventive medicine. Other current research interests include but not limited to extending the CMO of the clinical laboratories to diagnose potential HAIs that are yet untested, which is one requirement in the behavioural change wheel strategy.