COVID-19 continues to show the world what we’ve always known— infection preventionists (IPs) play a crucial role in keeping our community safe and healthy. In addition to fighting a global pandemic, the infection prevention and control community protects us from surges in health care-associated infections, measles outbreaks, flu season, and so many other day-to-day infectious battles.
Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) focuses on the importance of infection prevention in saving lives and health care dollars. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has spearheaded this annual effort to highlight the significance of infection prevention among health care professionals, administrators, legislators, and consumers.
Last year’s IIPW focused on celebrating IPs for their bravery and tireless efforts in 2020. This year’s theme – “Make Your Intention Infection Prevention”— highlights the science behind infection prevention and aims to inspire the next generation of IPs to join the fight.
Over the years, this week of recognition has vastly expanded to every corner of the globe, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. As the reach of IIPW widens, more patients benefit from safer health care practices and reduced threat of health care-associated infections.