Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a global problem, causing significant increase in morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs. HAIs affect millions of patients annually with high prevalences in developing countries and an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes and practices, and basic water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services can prevent transmission of these concerning infections.

It is imperative to ensure that IPC measures are embedded into everyday clinical practices for the safety of our patients, healthcare workers, as well as visitors. However, several challenges have limited the effective implementation of policies in everyday healthcare practice. These include fragmented healthcare systems, limited interprofessional collaboration, and inadequate integration of research evidence into daily operations

To ensure that IPC principles are not just recognized in guidelines but are also actively integrated into daily routines and training, some strategic plans need to be put in place. These include comprehensive IPC education and training, robust monitoring and evaluation including establishing surveillance, and a multi-faceted approach to implementation. Policies for IPC should focus on basic interventions like hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe injection practices, as well as more advanced strategies like sterilization and decontamination of medical devices

By addressing IPC related challenges and implementing target strategies, healthcare systems can bridge the gap between IPC policies and their practical application, leading to safer clinical environments and improved patient outcomes.