Africa records $8.4 billion annual loss to hospital-acquired infections, study finds

The 2024 study titled "Counting the cost of healthcare-acquired infections in sub-Saharan Africa," shed light on the concerning issue plaguing healthcare systems, highlighting not only the economic impact but also the urgent need for improved hygiene practices within healthcare facilities across the continent.

According to the study, there is a significant economic burden imposed by HAIs on seven African economies namely Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mali and Zambia.

Hospital-acquired infections, such as sepsis and pneumonia, are not just a health hazard—they are a significant economic drain. The study found that these infections consume on average 1.1% of the GDP and 4.5% of the total health budgets of the affected countries.

In Malawi, the impact is even more pronounced, with these infections accounting for 2.92% of the GDP and 10.9% of the annual healthcare budget.

With an annual loss of $8.4 billion, resources that could otherwise be allocated to vital healthcare services are diverted to manage and treat preventable infections. This financial strain not only hampers the provision of quality healthcare but also undermines efforts to achieve universal health coverage and meet Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.

Moreover, the impact of HAIs extends beyond economic implications, affecting the lives and well-being of patients and healthcare workers alike. Patients who contract infections while receiving medical care may experience prolonged hospital stays, increased morbidity and mortality rates and diminished quality of life.

"In 2022, across Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia, there were 2.6 million cases of hospital-acquired infections, which led to more than 275,000 excess deaths," part of the study reads.

Major causes of HAIs

The root causes of hospital-acquired infections are multifaceted and often linked to deficiencies in infection prevention and control practices within healthcare settings.

However, WaterAid links these infections to Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, coupled with insufficient resources and training.

Adding that the absence of these necessities creates an environment conducive to the spread of pathogens.

"The lack of basic water and hygiene services in healthcare facilities increases the risk of infections, leads to poor quality care and, as our new research shows, has severe economic consequences for low and middle-income countries," the study reveals.

The way forward

Addressing the challenge of hospital-acquired infections requires a holistic approach that prioritises investment in WASH infrastructure and promotes robust infection prevention and control measures.

WaterAid proposes that governments should prioritise and increase finances for Healthcare facilities to ensure access to clean water and sanitation facilities, implement stringent hygiene protocols, and provide ongoing training to healthcare workers on infection prevention practices.

"Basic WASH services, waste management, and environmental cleaning can prevent at least half of healthcare-acquired infections and is an affordable solution to support economies, make health systems more resilient, and free up healthcare budgets to address other important health issues," the report adds.

The findings of the WaterAid study serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise efforts to address the root causes of HAIs and ensure that healthcare facilities provide safe and quality care to all patients.