International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), held from October 13–19, 2024, is an annual campaign aimed at raising global awareness about infection prevention and control (IPC). First established in 1986 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), IIPW highlights the importance of preventing infections in healthcare settings and within communities. This year’s theme, “Empowering Health Workers,” emphasizes the vital role of healthcare professionals in maintaining stringent infection control standards to protect both patients and staff from infectious diseases.
During this week, healthcare organizations worldwide participate in educational events, training, and awareness campaigns to reinforce IPC principles. Topics include essential practices such as hand hygiene, proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfection protocols, and safe injection practices. These measures, though basic, are critical in reducing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that can endanger lives and increase healthcare costs. IIPW aims to instill the importance of these practices among healthcare workers, helping to foster a safer healthcare environment.
IIPW also reaches out to the public, educating individuals on everyday steps to prevent infections, such as regular handwashing, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, using antibiotics responsibly, and practicing respiratory hygiene (like covering coughs and sneezes). By promoting these actions, IIPW encourages a culture of prevention that extends beyond healthcare facilities and into the wider community.
With the emergence of new infectious threats and the ongoing challenges of antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention has become even more critical. IIPW 2024 aims to inspire continuous improvement in infection control practices worldwide, empowering both healthcare workers and the public to play active roles in reducing infection rates. Through these efforts, IIPW contributes to safer healthcare practices, healthier communities, and a more resilient global response to infectious diseases.