Infection control systems in transition: the challenges for post-Soviet Bloc countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Post-Soviet Bloc countries underwent significant health system reforms impacting infection control.
• Accessing scientific literature from these nations presents challenges for international researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive summary of current infection control policies and practices within post-Soviet Bloc countries.

Main Methods:

• A thorough review of 192 references in multiple languages was conducted.
• Searches included major databases (PubMed, Google) and local/grey literature.

Main Results:

• Infection control systems are in transition, categorized into three groups based on reform stages.
• Challenges include limited resources, expertise shortages, and widespread underreporting of infection control data.
• Eastern European and Baltic nations are developing pathogen surveillance; others focus on harmonizing with European programs; some are in initial reform stages.

Conclusions:

• International guidance has been instrumental in establishing modern infection control programs.
• Sustained international community support is crucial, particularly for countries with nascent or neglected infection control efforts.