Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have been a focal point of healthcare systems worldwide, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite increased attention, a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights significant gaps in global efforts to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), revealing a need for sustained investment in IPC programs to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
Nearly five years after COVID-19 was first reported, the WHO’s latest global assessment of IPC underscores the slow pace of progress in addressing these gaps. The report stresses that a large proportion of HAIs can be prevented by improving IPC practices and ensuring basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are consistently available in healthcare settings. These measures not only contribute to better infection control but are also highly cost-effective ways to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing concern in hospitals and clinics.
The findings reveal that while 71% of countries now have an active IPC program, only a small fraction (6%) met all of WHO’s minimum IPC requirements in 2023-2024. This progress falls far behind the target of having more than 90% of countries meeting these standards by 2030, as outlined in the WHO Global Action Plan on IPC. The report also highlights alarming disparities between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where patients in the latter are up to 20 times more likely to acquire infections during healthcare delivery.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the need for more action, noting that epidemics such as COVID-19, Ebola, Marburg, and mpox have highlighted the rapid spread of infections in healthcare environments. “These healthcare-associated infections are a daily threat in every hospital and clinic, not only during epidemics and pandemics,” he said, urging every nation to strengthen its IPC efforts.
The impact of HAIs is profound, often prolonging hospital stays and leading to complications like sepsis, disabilities, or even death. Beyond the immediate health consequences, these infections contribute to the spread of AMR, which is responsible for millions of deaths annually. The report estimates that 136 million antibiotic-resistant HAIs occur each year, highlighting the urgency of improving infection control strategies to mitigate this crisis.
Healthcare facilities, particularly in LMICs, face significant challenges in implementing effective IPC measures. Many countries lack sufficient IPC professionals, and nearly a quarter of countries reported shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in 2023. These resource limitations make it even harder for healthcare systems to tackle the rising threat of HAIs and AMR.
According to new data from WHO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), up to 3.5 million patients could die annually from HAIs if urgent action is not taken. However, the report also offers a hopeful outlook: improving IPC interventions at the point of care in healthcare facilities could prevent up to 821,000 deaths annually by 2050. Such interventions would not only save lives but also reduce healthcare expenditures by as much as US$ 112 billion per year, with additional economic gains estimated at US$ 124 billion annually.
Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage, Life Course, echoed the call for global action, stating, “WHO is committed to supporting countries to ensure that by 2030, everyone accessing and providing healthcare is safe from HAIs.” He emphasized the importance of fulfilling all IPC minimum requirements to safeguard patients, healthcare workers, and the broader community.
The report’s findings serve as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for global collaboration and investment in infection prevention and control. The fight against healthcare-associated infections is far from over, but with targeted action and sustained investment, significant progress can be made toward safer healthcare environments for all.
