Improving Maternal And Neonatal Safety: The Role Of Nursing In Infection Control In Obg Departments

Abstract

Maternal and neonatal infections remain a major global health challenge, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that infection-related complications account for nearly 10% of maternal deaths and a substantial proportion of neonatal fatalities worldwide. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures within obstetrics and gynaecology (OBG) departments are essential to ensuring safe childbirth, reducing puerperal and postoperative infections, and preventing neonatal sepsis. Nurses, as the cornerstone of maternity care, play a crucial role in implementing, monitoring, and sustaining these infection control practices. This review explores the pivotal role of nursing in improving maternal and neonatal safety through evidence-based IPC interventions, guided by international standards such as WHO and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols. The study synthesizes findings from recent global literature focusing on nursing-led IPC practices, including aseptic techniques during labour and delivery, sterilization of instruments, environmental cleaning, antimicrobial stewardship, and adherence to hand hygiene guidelines. Nurse-led infection surveillance, health education, and early detection of infection risks have been identified as essential components of effective IPC programs in maternity units. Despite strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of IPC measures, barriers such as inadequate staffing, limited resources, inconsistent training, and weak institutional policies continue to hinder optimal implementation. The findings emphasize the need for regular competency- based training, policy reinforcement, and leadership support to empower nurses as infection control champions. Furthermore, fostering inter professional collaboration and patient education enhances compliance and overall safety within OBG settings. Infection prevention is a shared responsibility, but nurses occupy a central and influential position in safeguarding maternal and neonatal health. Empowering the nursing workforce through continuous education, strong leadership, and adequate resources can significantly reduce preventable infections and improve health outcomes. Strengthened nursing participation in infection control represents a vital step toward achieving global targets for safe motherhood and neonatal care.