Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a scientific evidence-based approach and feasible solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection to healthcare users and workers (National Department of Health 2020a, 2020b. Preventing harm to health workers, patients and visitors because of infection in healthcare facilities is fundamental to achieving quality care, patient safety, health security and the reduction of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The prevention of harm can only be achieved by implementing the IPC programme with clear policies, guidelines and measures. The IPC measures include standard precaution (SP), transmission-based precautions, building environment, material and equipment for IPC, surveillance of HAIs, antimicrobial stewardship, outbreak response, reporting of notifiable medical conditions and education and training of staff and monitoring and evaluation (National Department of Health 2020a).The effective implementation of the IPC measures requires the use of multimodal strategies (MMSs), which involve the engagement of various stakeholders with clear allocated responsibilities to ensure commitment and sustainability. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified elements of MMS towards ensuring that the IPC is practised throughout the health system as follows: (1) availability of the appropriate infrastructure and supplies to enable the implementation of IPC, (2) education and training of health workers and key role-players, (3) monitoring the infrastructure, practices, processes, outcomes and providing feedback, (4) reminders and communication of improvements in the workplace and (5) culture change within the health facility or the strengthening of a safety climate (National Department of Health 2020a & 2020b; WHO 2016).Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes were introduced to combat healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance and to facilitate the implementation of IPC measures. The implementation of policies and guidelines results in effective service delivery. Aim:The purpose of the study was to explore nurses' experiences and perceptions regarding the impediments to implementing the IPC measures. Setting:The study was conducted in three public hospitals in Gauteng Province, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was used, and 49 nurses were purposively selected from three public hospitals to understand their experiences and perceptions regarding the impediments to implementing the IPC measures. Five focus group discussions were conducted using semi-structured interviews. Tesch's eight steps method was used to analyse data resulting in three main themes and seven sub-themes.Results: Three main themes emerged. Nurses experienced challenges regarding knowledge and attitudes towards IPC measures, inadequate hospital infrastructure and lack of management support. Conclusion:The lack of infection prevention control knowledge, infrastructure and management support impede the implementation...