Which is a common challenge to implementing infection prevention and control in resource-limited settings?

• A. Abundant PPE and supplies
• B. High infrastructure
• C. Limited PPE and supplies
• D. Strong surveillance

Answer: (C)

Having limited PPE and supplies is the main obstacle to implementing infection prevention and control in resource-constrained settings. IPC relies on continual access to gloves, masks, gowns, hand hygiene supplies, disinfectants, clean water, and proper waste management, plus the capacity to isolate or cohort patients when needed. When these items are scarce or unreliable, health workers may skip PPE, reuse disposable items, or delay cleaning and disinfection, which increases the risk of transmission to patients and staff. In contrast, abundant PPE and supplies would support consistent adherence to IPC practices, and strong infrastructure or surveillance would further enhance, rather than hinder, IPC efforts. The central challenge in these settings is the inability to sustain the basic materials required for infection prevention, which directly undermines IPC effectiveness.