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Building capacity for infection prevention

Stronger hygiene and infection prevention measures, including vaccination, strong hand hygiene, appropriate aseptic technique, consistent maintenance of clean, hygienic medical facilities, equipment and practices along with thoughtful and thorough surveillance, monitoring and evaluation measures can limit the spread of resistant microorganisms and reduce antimicrobial misuse and overuse.

By preventing infectious diseases whose treatment would require antimicrobial medicines and viral infections, which are frequently mistreated with antimicrobial medicines, the global community can better steward these essential medicines and use these valuable medications more carefully.

 

25%

of health facilities

lack basic water services and therefore risk the spread of AMR.

More

50%

of infections

associated with healthcare can be prevented through infection prevention.

Hand hygiene

is the most important measure to avoid infections and spread of AMR.

Resources

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Publications

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The selection and use of essential medicines, 2025: WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification of antibiotics for evaluation and monitoring of use

The AWaRe classification is intended as a tool for monitoring antibiotic use, defining targets and monitoring the impact of stewardship policies and interventions...

In vitro diagnostic tests for serious bacterial infection, including neonatal sepsis, among infants aged 0–59 days: target product profile

An estimated 2.3 million newborns die each year. Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest mortality burden, with sepsis contributing 15%. It...

Global research agenda for antimicrobial resistance in human health

The World Health Organization's global research agenda for antimicrobial resistance in human health is the first of its kind, developed to promote the...

Technical consultation on the WHO Antimicrobial Resistance Diagnostic Initiative

The WHO AMR Division hosted a technical consultation in Geneva, Switzerland, from 5 – 7 July 2023. This gathering brought together 52 participants...

WHO Surgical Safety Checklist