Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a major challenge worldwide, contributing significantly to patient morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and financial burden. The problem is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India, where prevalence rates are among the highest globally. Preventing HAIs requires a multipronged approach targeting the host, pathogen, and environment. Key interventions include strict adherence to hand hygiene, rational use of personal protective equipment, environmental and equipment disinfection, surveillance systems, and antimicrobial stewardship. Care bundle strategies for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and surgical site infections have demonstrated consistent benefits. Lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted how improved hygiene and strict infection control measures dramatically reduced HAIs. Implementation of evidence-based protocols and sustained commitment from healthcare providers and administrators can substantially curb this preventable problem. The objective of this short communication is to outline key, evidence-based strategies for the prevention of HAIs, with particular emphasis on their applicability in LMICs.
Quazi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.