Middle Eastern Society of Infection Control (MESIC) :First time in the region

"The launch of the society coincided with 3M's Infection Control Seminar & Workshop which was conducted in various Middle Eastern Countries," said Walid Richani, Regional Technical Specialist, Health Care Department, 3M Gulf. During these seminars, 3M hosted infection control experts from Europe and the Middle East, who brought their expertise and learnings to help local health bodies reduce the risk of hospital acquired infections.

The establishment of MESIC came from the health-care industry's need to form a body that works with government and health institutions to control risks of infections. Richani explained there was positive support and interest from key professionals in the health care field to form a regional society to help reduce and manage the risk of infection. Moreover, MESIC has obtained international support from recognized organizations in the infection control industry, such as the International Federation of infection control (IFIC) and UK Infection Control Nursing Association (ICNA).

"The launch of MESIC represents an important milestone in our industry," said Dr Faten Salti MESIC representative and an expert in the infection control field. " Infection Control principles and practices have become a major concern for every practitioner in Health care in the Middle East, where relevant official policies are not yet introduced. MESIC was established to help upgrade the existing infection control practices and protocols in the region through training courses, educational materials, meetings and conferences."

MESIC will be holding their annual independent meeting in October 2002 to elect active members representing ten Middle Eastern countries. Membership will be opened to any medical personnel in the region, in need of updated flow of information on infection control.