Global Patient Safety Challenge launched

AORN Journal, Jan, 2006

To fight the spread of nosocomial infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are launching the Global Patient Safety Challenge, according to an Oct 13, 2005, news release from WHO. In conjunction with the launch, WHO is making available an advanced draft of its "Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care" to encourage simple measures to prevent the spread of these infections.

Health care-associated infections are a global problem affecting both developing and developed countries. At any given time, more than 1.4 million people worldwide become seriously ill from nosocomial infections, according to the Global Patient Safety Challenge publication "Clean Care is Safer Care." Between 5% and 10% of patients admitted to hospitals in developed countries acquire nosocomial infections, and the proportion of patients affected can exceed 25% in some developing country settings. The economic impacts of these infections can total $7 billion to $8.2 billion dollars lost every year. Hand hygiene remains the primary measure to reduce nosocomial infection and the spread of antimicrobial resistance in health care settings ranging from complex, modern hospitals to simple health posts.

The Global Patient Safety Challenge builds on existing country efforts and initiatives to fight nosocomial infections. The Global Challenge is testing the implementation of the WHO "Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care" in six specific districts of WHO regions worldwide as part of the integrated package of actions in the areas of blood safety; injection and immunization safety; safer clinical practices; and safe water, sanitation, and waste management systems.

WHO launches Global Patient Safety Challenge; Issues Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care (news release, Geneva: World Health Organization, Oct 13, 2005) http://www.prnewswire.com (accessed 18 Oct 2005).