WHO Report Warns of Slow Progress in Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections

Nearly five years after COVID-19 emerged, a new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights the persistent challenges in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Despite 71% of countries now having active infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, only 6% meet the WHO’s minimum standards for IPC, far below the 90% target set for 2030. The report, launched at a G7 side event hosted by Italy, emphasises that patients in low- and middle-income countries face up to 20 times higher risk of contracting infections in healthcare settings compared to those in high-income nations.

HAIs not only extend hospital stays but can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, disability, or even death. The report underscores that improved IPC practices, coupled with basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, are essential to reducing both HAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). WHO estimates that up to 3.5 million lives could be lost annually to HAIs if urgent action isn’t taken. However, coordinated IPC measures could prevent up to 821,000 deaths each year by 2050, saving healthcare systems as much as $112 billion annually while generating economic benefits of up to $124 billion.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the need for stronger IPC efforts, especially in light of recent outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg. “Infections in healthcare settings remain a daily threat, not just during pandemics,” he said. Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage, reiterated the urgency, calling on all countries to prioritise IPC at both national and facility levels to protect patients and healthcare workers alike.