Implementation Status of Infection Prevention and Control and Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance in Zambian Public Hospitals: a WHO IPCAF Tool Assessment

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major global public health challenge, with a disproportionately higher burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Zambia, where infection prevention and control (IPC) systems face resource and capacity constraints. Effective IPC programs are essential for reducing HAIs, limiting the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and improving patient safety. This study assessed the implementation status of IPC programs in Zambian hospitals.