Healthcare-associated infections: Cyprus among countries with increased risk

In the European Union, more than 3.5 million patients annually contract infections related to healthcare provision, leading to over 90,000 deaths. These data highlight the scale of the problem, which remains one of the main threats to patient safety and a serious challenge for healthcare systems.

An especially alarming situation is observed in Cyprus. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), about 13.8% of patients in Cypriot hospitals encounter at least one healthcare-associated infection — nearly twice the EU average. Furthermore, more than half of hospitalized patients receive antibiotics, increasing the risk of developing treatment-resistant bacteria.

In connection with World Hand Hygiene Day, specialists are once again drawing attention to the simplest but critically important preventive measure — hand hygiene compliance. Experts note that a significant portion of infections are transmitted through the hands of medical personnel, and insufficient adherence to rules remains a common problem.

To improve the situation, ECDC has introduced new guidelines for infection prevention and control. It includes recommendations for staff training, monitoring compliance with standards, and using data for more effective measures. Additionally, the digital tool hyFive was presented, allowing for real-time tracking of hand hygiene compliance and prompt identification of weaknesses in medical facilities.

Experts emphasize that strengthening control and changing daily practices can significantly reduce the level of healthcare-associated infections.