Healthcare-Associated Infections

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) exact a significant toll on human life. They are among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths in 2002. In hospitals, they are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition to the substantial human suffering exacted by HAIs, the financial burden attributable to these infections is staggering. It is estimated that HAIs incur nearly $20 billion in excess healthcare costs each year.

For these reasons, the reduction of HAIs is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS Steering Committee for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections was established in July 2008. The Steering Committee was charged with developing a national strategy to reduce HAIs and issuing a plan which establishes national goals for HAI prevention and outlines key actions for achieving identified short- and long-term objectives. The plan is also intended to enhance collaboration with external stakeholders to strengthen coordination and impact of national efforts.

The development process of the HHS Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections is intended to be inclusive. The effort represents a culmination of several months of deliberation by subject matter experts across HHS to identify key actions in the prevention of HAIs. The document establishes national goals for enhancing and coordinating HHS-supported efforts. The links listed below will take you to the Action Plan documents.

The Office of Public Health and Science wants to thank those who submitted comments on the action plan. Presently, we are incorporating those comments into the action plan and a revised document will soon be posted to the Web site.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Rani Jeeva at Rani.Jeeva@hhs.gov (e-mail), (202) 205-5245 (phone), or (202) 690-7425 (fax).