Shaheen Mehtar

I am an infection prevention and control (IPC) specialist, established and head up the Unit for IPC at Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University. I am also a founder member and current chair of the Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN).
I have been instrumental in setting up an extensive teaching programe in IPC from a 5 day basic course for healthcare workers, managers to specialised courses such as a 6 months Fundamental course and a Post graduate Diploma in IPC (PDIC). In 2013 we are starting a Masters in IPC. We also run several short courses in sterile services and decontamination (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced). A Diploma in Hospital Technology is being considered. We support setting up IPC programme in low to middle income countries all over the world but with a particular emphasis in Africa. This has been my best contribution to IPC. In 2013, under the ICAN umbrella we are launching a Cape To Cairo education programme using Text messaging and SMS systems. For this, we are looking for public private partnerships.
My research interest is mainly operational but I am very intrigued by the antimicrobial activity of copper and its role in IPC.