Strengthening Infection Prevention to Reduce the Burden of Pneumonia in Healthcare Facilities
Every year, on November 12, the world marks World Pneumonia Day — an opportunity to raise awareness about one of the leading infectious causes of death globally and to reaffirm our collective responsibility in its prevention.
Although pneumonia is often perceived as a community-acquired disease, it also represents a significant healthcare-associated risk. In hospitals, it can affect the most vulnerable patients: the elderly, those with chronic conditions or in post-operative recovery, and patients on mechanical ventilation.
Pneumonia: a silent but preventable threat
Pneumonia occurs when an infection causes inflammation of the lungs, filling the alveoli with fluid or pus. This leads to difficulty breathing, fever, chest pain, and — in the most severe cases — death.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia causes over 3 million deaths every year, many of which could be avoided through effective prevention measures and early diagnosis.
In healthcare settings, hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) pose a major challenge, often linked to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These infections not only prolong hospital stays and increase healthcare costs but also worsen clinical outcomes and reduce patient survival rates.
The crucial role of hand hygiene in preventing pneumonia
Although pneumonia affects the lungs, its prevention often starts with the hands.
Healthcare workers’ hands are one of the main vectors of transmission for respiratory pathogens between patients, surfaces, and medical devices. Maintaining strict hand hygiene — especially before and after patient contact or handling of instruments — is one of the simplest and most effective measures to break the chain of infection.
Yet, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), one in twenty hospitalized patients in Europe still acquires a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Many of these infections, including pneumonia, can be prevented through proper hygiene practices and robust environmental safety protocols.
From awareness to action
Preventing pneumonia in healthcare settings requires more than awareness — it demands commitment, consistency, and collaboration among professionals.
Building a strong culture of safety means ensuring that hand hygiene, surface sanitation, and proper management of medical devices become an integral part of daily clinical practice.
Every act of hygiene helps reduce pathogen transmission and protects those who rely on the healthcare system for treatment and care.
On this World Pneumonia Day, let’s remember that every infection prevented is a life protected — and that the safety of both patients and healthcare workers begins with everyday behavior.
Ready to build a stronger hygiene culture in your hospital? Contact us for more information or to request a consultation.