[Resources for the campaign against nosocomial infection in hospitals]

Since 1973, the Ministry of Health has recommended to set up Infection Control Committees which became statutory in 1988. They have many responsibilities including the survey of nosocomial infection rate, the implementation of appropriate control strategies, the control of "antibiotic resistance", the training of staff, the production and the evaluation of written procedures for patients care, isolation, sterilization..., as well as they are in charge of the protection of health care workers against occupational risk of infection. Although, such committees have been appointed in more than 85% of hospitals, their true activity and the rate of nosocomial infection remain much less well known. The very low proportion of beds actually involved in a "surveillance" program, the scarcity of specific personnel, the insufficiency of institutional program of training, and the height prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics are all of concern. Recently, the Ministry of Health has intensified its requirements and recommendations. However, resources allocated to nosocomial infection control remain unsatisfactory and it makes mandatory that each hospital generate a program which should be recognized as a priority. It is obvious that willingness is not sufficient and that the appointment of nosocomial infection control teams is warranted with appropriately trained personnel. However it is fair te recognize that the cost-effectiveness evaluation of various strategies remains to be done.