By Ayomide Otitoju
Nearly five years after the emergence of COVID-19, a new global report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals sluggish progress in addressing critical gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) to curb health care-associated infections (HAIs).
The report, unveiled at a G7 side-event hosted by Italy, underscores that a significant proportion of HAIs can be prevented through enhanced IPC practices and basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. These measures are considered highly cost-effective “best buys” for reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in health care settings.
While 71% of countries now report having an active IPC program, only 6% met all WHO IPC minimum requirements in 2023-2024, far below the target of 90% by 2030 outlined in the WHO Global Action Plan. The report also highlights stark disparities, with patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing up to 20 times higher risks of infection during health care delivery compared to those in high-income countries (HICs).
“The COVID-19 pandemic, along with outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg, and mpox, demonstrates how pathogens can spread rapidly in health care settings,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “These infections are a daily threat in every hospital and clinic, not just during epidemics and pandemics. Every country must do more to prevent and control infections.”
Health care-associated infections can prolong hospital stays, lead to complications such as sepsis, and in severe cases, result in disability or death. Tackling these infections is also pivotal in reducing AMR risks. Estimates indicate 136 million antibiotic-resistant HAIs occur globally each year.
The report identifies significant challenges faced by health care facilities, particularly in LMICs. These include shortages of IPC professionals and funding, with nearly 25% of countries reporting inadequate supplies of personal protective equipment in 2023.
Joint data from WHO and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warns that up to 3.5 million patients could die annually from HAIs without urgent interventions. Improved IPC measures could prevent up to 821,000 deaths each year by 2050 and yield economic savings of $112 billion annually, alongside $124 billion in economic gains.
“WHO is committed to supporting countries to ensure that by 2030, everyone accessing and providing health care is safe from HAIs,” said Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage. “Meeting IPC minimum requirements must be a priority to protect patients and health care workers and prevent unnecessary suffering.”
The report serves as a baseline for policymakers, IPC professionals, and stakeholders, urging coordinated actions to address IPC gaps and protect global health.
