Hospital and healthcare-associated infections: Importance of hygiene

Hospital and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain one of the most persistent challenges to safe patient care. Patients enter hospitals to receive treatment, yet exposure to microorganisms can sometimes lead to infections that were not present or incubating when care began. These infections increase suffering, prolong hospital stays, raise costs, complicate treatment, and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Although modern hospitals use sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, basic hygiene remains one of the most dependable foundations of infection prevention. Hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, safe use of personal protective equipment, appropriate eprocessing of reusable equipment, respiratory hygiene, safe injection practices, linen and waste management, and reliable water, sanitation and hygiene services work together rather than in isolation.