Editor,

RE: "Medics blame hospital-acquired infections on poor hand hygiene” (The New Times, May 6).

I am very happy that this is in print for people to read and take note of. However, this is something that has been known for a long time, even here in Rwanda. Therefore, why is there not a constant source of water, soap and paper towels for staff and patients to keep their hands clean at all times? Why does alcohol gel stock out? Why are there no regular infection control audits to ensure staff are using good hand hygiene practices?

Neither staff nor families are observing proper hand hygiene. Multi drug resistant nosocomial infections are endemic, which shouldn’t be the case. Authorities need to take their fair share of the blame. There has to be resources in place to be able to enforce the rules not only in the health sector but across the board.

Yvonne