IPC and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global crisis that
threatens a century of progress in health and
achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and
achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Alarming levels of resistance have been reported in
countries of all income levels, with the result that
common diseases are becoming untreatable, and lifesaving medical procedures riskier to perform.
Strong IPC is a the most effective approach to controlling the spread of AMR. Robust IPC measures are cost-saving because AMR can thrive in healthcare facilities. The most effective intervention is to improve hygiene in healthcare facilities, including promotion of hand hygiene and better hospital hygiene. Safer hospitals mean fewer infections and every infection prevented is an antibiotic avoided. Improving IPC helps achieve quality care for all and is one of the five objectives in the AMR Global Action Plan.
Guidelines
Guidelines for the prevention and control of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter baumannii...
Health care-associated infections (HAI) are one of the most common adverse events in care delivery. A large proportion are caused by antibiotic resistant...
Guidelines on core components of infection prevention and control programmes at the national and acute...
Health care-associated infections (HAI) are one of the most common adverse events in care delivery and a major public health problem with an impact on...
Gonorrhoea is a major public health challenge today, due to the high incidence of infections accompanied by a dwindling number of treatment options. The...
Implementation
People-centred approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance in human health: WHO core package of interventions...
This document outlines the concept and content of the WHO people-centred approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the human health sector....
Implementation manual to prevent and control the spread of carbapenem-resistant organisms at the national...
This manual presents a compelling case for action on carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) and describes the linkages between the prevention and control of...
Additional resources
Training
Resources are made available for educational support to frontline health workers as well as facility leaders on the importance of IPC to combat AMR in health care settings.