The Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030 gave considerable attention to the vital role IPC plays in patient safety.

IPC is vital to women’s health – particularly when they give birth. WHO and partners reported last year that despite progress, SDG targets on maternal mortality are off track.

Without adequate water, sanitation and hygiene, effective IPC is impossible.

Infections remain a significant cause of maternal and newborn mortality. Yet, in 2022, only 57% of health care facilities had basic hand hygiene services.

We therefore call on WHO and partners to redouble their efforts to push for greater investment in gender-responsive WASH in healthcare facilities by governments and their international partners to achieve 100% coverage by 2030.