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.
Department of Infectious Diseases, Instituto National de la Nutricion, Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City.
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Ponce-de-Leon
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