At the heart of Kribi Baptist Health Centre (KBHC) in Cameroon is a story of transformation, led by the unwavering passion of Manjong Leonard. As a Dental Therapist, Leonard took on the role of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Advocate or Focal Point, a challenge he embraced with determination despite lacking formal training. His journey from a novice in IPC to a trailblazer has left an indelible mark on the facility and the community it serves.
Prior to Leonard’s intervention, KBHC grappled with serious IPC gaps. Low hand hygiene practices, ineffective waste management, and improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) posed significant risks to staff, patients and visitors.
Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, Leonard saw the IPC training organized by EPN as a must-do for him. He enrolled and trained in Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship courses on the EPN training portal. This training was offered to EPN members’ health facility staff as part of capacity building objectives under the Access Project implemented in partnership with Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS)
With this new knowledge, Leonard embarked on a mission to revolutionize certain practices at KBHC in a bid to help improve the quality of 
services. He initiated weekly IPC orientations for staff during morning devotions, instilling a culture of mindfulness and commitment. Caregivers and visitors were also engaged in weekly sensitization sessions, ensuring they played an active role in infection prevention. He ensured that hand gel dispensers were strategically located throughout the facility to facilitate proper hand hygiene.
Leonard’s efforts extended to environmental cleanliness, introducing consistent cleaning and disinfection routines paired with effective waste sorting at collection points. He spearheaded the creation of an IPC committee bringing together representatives from Management, Clinical Staff, Housekeeping, Security, and Chaplaincy. This inclusive team approach ensured every aspect of IPC was addressed collaboratively.
The impact of Leonard’s work has been profound. Staff, patients, and visitors now adhere to proper hand hygiene, hand gels are accessible, cleaning protocols are diligently followed, and waste management practices have improved dramatically. Behavioral changes across the facility have greatly reduced the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), a testament to the power of knowledge and commitment.
Leonard’s journey is far from ended. He passionately advocates for additional resources, the training of more IPC ambassadors to extend this vital work into the wider community.
His story is one of resilience, leadership, and compassion. His unwavering dedication has not only elevated standards at KBHC but also inspired a culture of safety and care, proving that one committed individual can spark lasting, meaningful change.
