About Infection Prevention and Control Week
Infection Prevention and Control Week is an annual awareness campaign highlighting the importance of preventing infections and creating safer healthcare environments. The campaign began in 1986 and has since grown internationally, helping raise awareness among healthcare workers, patients and communities about effective infection prevention practices.
Healthcare-associated infections remain a major global concern. The World Health Organization estimates that around 7 in every 100 patients in high-income countries and 15 in every 100 patients in low- and middle-income countries acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection during their hospital stay. Strong infection prevention and control measures can prevent a significant proportion of these infections.
How Does Infection Prevention and Control Week Work?
Throughout the week, healthcare organisations, workplaces and communities promote infection prevention through educational sessions, training, awareness displays and practical activities. Topics may include hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, respiratory hygiene and reducing the spread of infection.
These activities help reinforce safe everyday practices and encourage everyone to play a role in reducing the transmission of infections.
How Can You Get Involved?
You can support Infection Prevention and Control Week by practising good hand hygiene, following infection-prevention guidance and sharing reliable information with others.
Healthcare organisations and workplaces can also run educational activities, display awareness materials, provide staff training and encourage conversations about how everyday actions can help protect patients, staff and the wider community.
Help Stop the Spread
Effective infection prevention protects everyone. Use 18–24 October as an opportunity to learn more about infection control, strengthen good hygiene practices and help create safer healthcare environments.
For further information and resources:
World Health Organization – Infection Prevention and Control
Australian College for Infection Prevention and Control
Prevent infection. Protect patients. Keep our communities safe.
