Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded Saudi Arabia for its quality of hospitals and efficiency in combating infections, recognizing the Kingdom as a global leader in reducing healthcare-associated risks.

In a report published on its official website, WHO highlighted Saudi Arabia’s success in infection prevention, particularly in significantly reducing central catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).

The Kingdom achieved 48.8% annual reduction in CLABSI rates in intensive care units from 2021 to 2024, a figure that is four times the global reduction average over the same period.

This achievement stems from Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to combat bloodstream infections associated with central catheters, launched by the Ministry of Health in 2022.

The strategy is part of broader efforts to enhance infection control across health facilities and raise the quality of healthcare services.

WHO noted that these initiatives have not only reduced bloodstream infections but have also contributed to a decline in other healthcare-associated infections.

As part of the national program, more than 5,000 healthcare practitioners across the Kingdom have been trained in infection control practices.

The Ministry of Health’s efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the healthcare sector by prioritizing prevention and ensuring the highest standards of patient care.

By implementing stringent infection control measures, Saudi health facilities have significantly enhanced patient safety and minimized infection risks inherent to healthcare environments.