In a proclamation of their ongoing commitment to amplifying the significance of infection prevention and control, the New York State Department of Health acknowledges International Infection Prevention Week, which occurs from October 15-21. This yearly event is organized by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) as an avenue to re-emphasize the invaluable role of infection prevention professionals and infection prevention measures. ‘Infections can be stalled if we each take responsibility for our health both within health facilities and at a personal level,’ asserted State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. Dr. McDonald, a veteran pediatrician, extended his gratitude to the diligent infection control personnel attending to the wellbeing of the New York populace.
Established in 1986, this year’s Infection Prevention Week carries the theme ‘Celebrating the FUNdamentals of Infection Prevention.’ The campaign envisages inspiring patients, medical teams, and the general public to reconceptualize foundational infection prevention strategies both at home and in clinical environments such as hospitals and nursing homes. It stresses that infection prevention necessitates everyone’s active participation.
Hospitalized patients and other health care receivers are in constant risk of getting infected. On any given day, approximately one in 31 hospitalized people in the U.S. will get a health care-associated infection. This highlights the critical role infection preventionists (IPs) play in controlling and preventing infections, handling outbreaks across the healthcare setting, public health included.
The Department joins hands with APIC in encouraging everyone, including patients, relatives, and the health care workforce, to assume responsibility for preventing infections. Furthermore, hospital patients and nursing home residents are given extra guidance and instructions to follow. During the week, APIC’s Infection Prevention and You campaign educates the public daily on preventing the spread of diseases, by offering several resources and key information. Visit Daily FUNdamentals at infectionpreventionandyou.org to learn more.
Source: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2023/2023-10-17_infection_prevention_week.htm