Public Health Intervention Programme
HFMD-PREP
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention and Response Enhancement Programme — strengthening infection prevention capacity in childcare centres across Kota Kinabalu.
About HFMD-PREP
A structured approach to protecting children from HFMD
HFMD-PREP is a capacity-building intervention designed for licensed childcare centres. It addresses gaps in institutional infection prevention and control (IPC) practices through structured training, standard operating procedures, and digital health resources for parents. The programme is grounded in evidence from a systematic review and developed through a co-design and Delphi consensus process.
12
Childcare centres in Kota Kinabalu
6
CHIPCAT assessment domains
20
Week stepped-wedge evaluation
2
Delivery tracks — providers and parents
CHIPCAT Assessment Framework
Six domains of infection prevention capacity
HFMD-PREP targets the gaps identified across these six CHIPCAT domains in each participating centre.
DOMAIN 1
Governance and Policies
Written IPC policies, outbreak protocols, and management accountability structures.
DOMAIN 2
Human Resources and Training
Staff competency, IPC training coverage, and qualification standards.
DOMAIN 3
Service Delivery Practices
Daily screening, child exclusion protocols, and environmental cleaning routines.
DOMAIN 4
Supplies and Physical Environment
Availability of PPE, hand sanitisers, and hygienic facility conditions.
DOMAIN 5
Communication and Engagement
Parent notification systems, health messaging, and community engagement practices.
DOMAIN 6
Sustainability and System Integration
Long-term embedding of IPC into centre operations and regulatory compliance.
Programme Delivery
Two tracks, one shared goal
Track A
For childcare providers
Face-to-face training sessions, standard operating procedures, and practical job aids to strengthen daily IPC practices at the centre level.
SOP training
Job aids
Centre assessment
Track B
For parents and guardians
WhatsApp-based digital health content, HFMD awareness materials, and guidance on recognising symptoms and when to seek care.
WhatsApp content
Symptom guides
Health messaging