Infection prevention and control in India

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach to prevent harm to patients and health workers from avoidable infections and ensure delivery of quality health care. IPC cuts across all aspects of health care, including hand hygiene, standard precautions, containment of antimicrobial resistance, prevention of healthcare associated infections, safe injections, water and sanitation in health care, and healthcare during emergencies. Effective IPC needs action at all levels of the health system – including policymakers, healthcare administrators, health workers and patients.

WHO Country Office for India advocates for a national IPC programme, aligned with the global action plan and monitoring framework for IPC, to strengthen IPC practices in health facilities across India. It provides technical support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for policies, strategies and guidelines to develop capacity of IPC stakeholders through technical resources, trainings and knowledge management.

WHO India provides technical support in developing and disseminating national guidelines and policies on infection prevention and control tailored to healthcare settings. WHO India also supports training programs and workshops for healthcare workers on IPC practices.