The needs of developing countries and the resources required.
Nosocomial infections in developing countries represent a major public health problem that is not universally recognized. In Latin America rates for nosocomial infections range from 10 to 26% with a severe impact on morbidity and mortality and a consequent economic burden. The fundamental needs are: (1) to recognize the importance of this problem; (2) to modify the attitude of government authorities in the sense that hospital care could be improved; (3) to teach medical personnel the importance of infection control at the beginning of their training; and (4) to increase the awareness of the population of its right to better health care. From an international point of view we should establish the following guidelines: (1) the World Health Organisation should establish a worldwide programme on nosocomial infections; (2) medical and nursing schools should include regular courses on infection control; (3) international organizations should support training and research programmes in developing countries, focusing on the regional needs for infection control.
Ponce-de-Leon
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Department of Infectious Diseases, Instituto National de la Nutricion, Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City.
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000193:education; D006291:Health Policy; D006295:Health Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D009026:Mortality