WHO Calls for Continued Investment in Infection Prevention and Control Programs
29 November 2024
Nearly five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report on infection prevention and control (IPC) reveals concerning gaps in the global fight against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). While progress has been made, much remains to be done to protect patients, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), from preventable infections that continue to threaten lives.
The WHO report stresses that many HAIs could be prevented with improved IPC practices and better access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services—measures that are both effective and cost-efficient. Reducing infections in healthcare settings is vital in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global threat. Despite this, the report shows that while 71% of countries have active IPC programs, only 6% met the WHO’s minimum IPC requirements in 2023-2024—far below the 90% target by 2030.
The impact on patients is severe. HAIs prolong hospital stays and can lead to life-threatening complications like sepsis, disability, or death. Each year, 136 million cases of antibiotic-resistant HAIs are reported globally, worsening the AMR crisis. Patients in LMICs are up to 20 times more likely to acquire infections during treatment compared to those in high-income countries (HICs). This inequality highlights the significant gap in access to safe healthcare for millions worldwide.
For many patients, the risk of acquiring an HAI adds distress to an already difficult situation. These infections can lead to prolonged suffering, extended hospital stays, and sometimes, tragic outcomes. Improving IPC practices is not just about reducing complications—it’s about saving lives and preventing unnecessary pain and hardship.
WHO’s report also points out the resource challenges healthcare facilities, especially in LMICs, face. There are shortages of IPC professionals and personal protective equipment (PPE), making it difficult to implement effective infection control measures. Without urgent action, up to 3.5 million people could die annually from HAIs. However, better IPC practices at the point of care could prevent up to 821,000 deaths each year by 2050, saving billions and improving health outcomes globally.
The WPA believes every patient has the right to receive care in an environment where the risk of infection is minimized through proper hygiene, safety standards, and effective IPC practices. We urge governments, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make IPC a top priority, ensuring that healthcare facilities, especially in LMICs, have the resources and training needed to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
WHO’s commitment to supporting countries in meeting IPC standards by 2030 is a step in the right direction. Achieving these standards will require sustained investment, improved funding, and stronger global commitment to health system strengthening.
As patients, we continue to demand better, safer healthcare for all. We call on world leaders to act urgently to reduce the burden of HAIs, protect lives, and ensure no patient faces preventable harm. It is time for a healthcare system that prioritizes patient safety.