WHO's 2024 Global Report: Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control Programs at the Facility Level

Infection Prevention and Control Organizational Culture

(Image courtesy of Dumontel Healthcare Consulting)

The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) 2024 Global Report on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) makes one thing abundantly clear: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is not just nice to have; it is an essential part of the overall health care delivery process.

Despite the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care organizations worldwide are still struggling to implement IPC principles effectively. The report reveals that many health systems often face a triple challenge: limited financial resources, a lack of ongoing training, and inadequate leadership support, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These barriers make it challenging to establish robust IPC foundations and are directly linked to higher rates of health care-associated infections (HAIs), increased risks to health care workers' safety, and rising health care costs.

To illustrate the impact, WHO estimates that among every 100 hospitalized patients, 22 patients—7 in high-income countries (HICs) and 15 in LMICs—will contract at least 1 HAI. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that approximately 4.8 million HAIs occur each year in acute care hospitals across the European Union (EU). Globally, as many as 136 million antibiotic-resistant infections are reported annually, with significant implications for length of stay, patient outcomes, and mortality. In fact, patients with health care-associated sepsis face a 24.4% mortality rate, a figure that increases exponentially in intensive care settings where patients often experience comorbidities and an increased risk of HAI-related mortality.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it is that IPC is not just about protocols; it is about building resilient, prepared systems. However, transitioning from reactive measures to long-term, proactive IPC strategies remains a significant challenge in many cases. According to the 2024 WHO report, while progress has been made since COVID-19, many facilities still lack the infrastructure and workforce development needed to put comprehensive IPC programs in place.

One of the most persistent challenges is the reliance on one-size-fits-all approaches that do not reflect the realities of local settings. Standard protocols are important, but they are not always enough. Cultural norms, resource constraints, and operational pressures all play a role, and if they are not addressed, even the best-designed guidelines can fall short. Add to this a lack of ongoing education, and many health care teams are left without the tools or confidence to apply IPC best practices effectively.

Leadership is another key piece of the puzzle. Without strong, visible support from leaders, IPC efforts often lack the traction and visibility they need to succeed. Leadership engagement is not just about signing off on policies; it is about championing IPC as a priority, aligning resources, and modeling the culture we want to see across health care settings.

Five Ways to Strengthen IPC Programs at the Ground Level

Based on the WHO report and my experience working with health care teams around the world, here are 5 practical actions that can help strengthen IPC implementation at the facility level:

1. Think in systems, not silos

Infection prevention is not a stand-alone task; it must be integrated into every aspect of health care delivery. Taking a system-level thinking approach allows us to identify weak points, break down barriers, and create strategies that work across departments and disciplines.

2. Prioritize ongoing education

Consistent, up-to-date training ensures that frontline staff remain current with evidence-based IPC practices. It also builds confidence and ownership, which are critical for maintaining sustained behavior change.

3. Get leaders actively involved

When leaders take an active role in IPC by not just endorsing policies but participating in planning and implementation, it sends a clear message that IPC matters. Their involvement also helps unlock resources and accelerate progress.

4. Engage the right stakeholders

Successful IPC programs rely on collaboration. From clinical staff to patients and community voices, bringing everyone to the table ensures solutions are well-rounded, inclusive, and more likely to stick.

5. Use feedback to drive improvement

Routine monitoring and open feedback channels allow teams to identify gaps, make informed decisions, and continuously strengthen their IPC efforts. Real-time insights lead to real-time improvements.

We have an opportunity— and a responsibility —to leverage this newfound awareness and turn it into action. While the 2024 WHO report highlights persistent gaps in IPC implementation, it also provides a roadmap for moving forward. With the right strategies and mindset, facilities everywhere, regardless of geography or budget, can build strong, sustainable IPC programs that protect both patients and the health care workforce.

For more insights on this topic, check out my newsletter on LinkedIn.