Opportunities to Overcome Implementation Challenges of Infection Prevention and Control in Low-Middle Income Countries

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have posed a major challenge in patient care across the globe, more so in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). Studies have shown that implementation of an effective infection prevention and control (IPC) program reduces incidence of HAI to a large extent. However, implementation of such a program in low-resource setting has many challenges. Research have shown that gaps exist due to absence of political will, trained manpower, and alternate healthcare priorities. With progress in science of healthcare epidemiology and digital communication, opportunities to establish an effective IPC program at minimal cost is possible. In this review, we explore ways the existing challenges can be mitigated in LMICs. In recent times, the UN general assembly along with World Health Organization (2015) and member countries took a resolution to come up with an action plan to tackle the rising threat of AMR by strengthening IPC programs at national level. We reviewed the progress made by the developing countries in their efforts to implement the program.