Infection control as a major World Health Organization priority for developing countries.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect millions globally, posing a significant patient safety risk.
• HAIs complicate 5-10% of hospital admissions in industrialized nations, with rates 2-20 times higher in developing countries.
• High HAI prevalence necessitates global strategies for prevention and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the global challenge of healthcare-associated infections.
• To highlight the World Health Organization's 'Clean Care is Safer Care' initiative.
• To promote simple, affordable solutions for infection prevention in diverse healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• The World Health Organization established the World Alliance for Patient Safety.
• Launched the 'Clean Care is Safer Care' Global Patient Safety Challenge in 2005.
• Encouraged ministries of health to sign formal statements pledging support for HAI reduction strategies.

Main Results:

• 72 ministries of health signed pledges within 2 years, with 30 from developing countries.
• Additional countries planned to sign, representing over 75% of the global population by end of 2008.
• The initiative emphasizes simple, affordable solutions with expected high impact in developing countries.

Conclusions:

• The 'Clean Care is Safer Care' challenge has the potential to save millions of lives and prevent widespread morbidity.
• Improved basic infection control measures can lead to significant cost savings and enhanced patient safety globally.
• The initiative's focus on accessible solutions ensures broad applicability across all healthcare settings, irrespective of resource availability.