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Optimizing Infection Prevention in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries
Yasmeen Mann1, Anita Shallal2, Marcus Zervos2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Effective infection prevention and control programs are crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections and reducing antimicrobial resistance globally. Strategies must be cost-effective and tailored for low- and middle-income countries to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Policy
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a significant global burden of disease, causing substantial morbidity and mortality.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat exacerbated by HAIs.
- Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) face disproportionately higher rates and impacts of HAIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in combating HAIs and AMR.
- To emphasize the need for tailored IPC strategies in LMIC.
- To advocate for cost-effective and optimized IPC program implementation in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on IPC programs and their effectiveness.
- Analysis of HAI and AMR prevalence data, with a focus on LMIC.
- Evaluation of cost-effectiveness and implementation challenges for IPC in diverse healthcare settings.
Main Results:
- IPC programs are fundamental in reducing HAI incidence and slowing the development of AMR.
- Significant disparities exist in HAI burden and IPC program implementation between high-income and LMIC.
- Successful IPC requires balancing proven interventions with resource availability and local context.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening IPC programs is essential for global public health, particularly in LMIC.
- Prioritizing and adapting IPC strategies to the specific needs and constraints of LMIC is paramount.
- Investment in cost-effective IPC solutions can yield substantial improvements in patient safety and health outcomes worldwide.
Abstract:
Infection prevention and control programs play a key role in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and reducing antimicrobial resistance. HAIs account for a large amount of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with disproportionate adverse effects in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Optimal approaches must be prioritized and tailored for LMIC, balancing effectiveness and cost in the implementation and optimization of infection prevention and control programs.
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