Guest Editorial: The culmination of rare events – a global healthcare and public health concern

Abstract

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and hand hygiene are universally accepted to be two of the most important infection control problems of the decade for healthcare systems in industrialised countries. Universally, the popular press and the public have developed a zero tolerance of healthcare associated infection (HAI) and other adverse events associated with the provision of their healthcare. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Worldwide Alliance for Patient Safety in 2004 with the goal of reducing adverse consequences of healthcare. Every 2 years, the Alliance will focus on a specific challenge to improve patient safety.