After nearly half a decade since the initial emergence of Covid-19, the latest global survey on infection prevention and control (IPC) from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a sluggish pace in addressing essential gaps aimed at deterring healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
A significant number of HAIs can be avoided through enhanced IPC measures and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, which are notably cost-efficient “best investments” to curtail antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within healthcare environments. This recent publication, unveiled at a G7 event hosted by Italy, serves as a foundational reference for policymakers, IPC specialists, healthcare personnel, and relevant stakeholders to inspire strategic actions.
The analysis shows that although 71% of countries have instituted active IPC programs, merely 6% fulfilled all WHO IPC minimum standards in 2023-2024. This falls significantly short of the ambition outlined in the WHO Global Action Plan, which aims for more than 90% compliance by 2030. Furthermore, the report accentuates that patients in low- and middle-income nations (LMICs) face a risk up to 20 times greater of contracting infections during healthcare services than those in high-income nations (HICs).
“The Covid-19 crisis, along with outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg, and mpox, starkly illustrate how rapidly pathogens can proliferate within healthcare settings. These healthcare-associated infections pose an everyday threat in hospitals and clinics, not just during outbreaks,” stated WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “It’s imperative that every nation intensifies efforts to thwart infections in healthcare institutions and manage them effectively when they occur.”
HAIs extend hospital durations and lead to further complications, including sepsis and, in severe cases, disability or mortality. Tackling HAIs through strengthened IPC is critical to mitigating AMR risks, with recent figures indicating 136 million antibiotic-resistant HAIs annually.
The findings indicate that healthcare institutions grapple with profound financial and resource constraints, notably a deficit of IPC experts and funding, particularly in LMICs. Almost a quarter of nations reported inadequate supplies of personal protective equipment in 2023.
Joint data from the WHO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests up to 3.5 million deaths annually from HAIs could occur absent prompt action. Elevating IPC strategies at all levels can significantly diminish these fatalities. Modeling illustrates that IPC interventions at the healthcare delivery point, orchestrated by Health Ministries or networks, could prevent as many as 821,000 deaths annually by 2050. This approach could also yield yearly healthcare savings reaching up to US$ 112 billion and foster economic advantages amounting to US$ 124 billion.
“The WHO is dedicated to assisting countries to guarantee that by 2030, both healthcare providers and recipients are shielded from HAIs,” remarked Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course at WHO. “Achieving all IPC minimum criteria at both the national and facility levels is crucial for safeguarding patients and healthcare workers, and preventing needless hardship.”