Lowbury Lecture 2008: infection control and limited resources--searching for the best solutions.

Healthcare-associated infections constitute an important public health problem in both developing and transitional countries. Despite considerable progress in the development of infection control programmes in some countries with limited resources, programmes in most developing world settings are non-existent, or are not implemented. Kosova, the poorest country in Europe, illustrates the challenges posed by infection control in the developing world. In many hospitals activities are limited by the lack of financial resources, poor infrastructure, overcrowding, inadequate hygiene, poorly functioning laboratory services, poor management, insufficient technology and a shortage of trained staff. Infection control guidelines from developed countries are often perceived as a standard for the developing world, but have to be modified to take into account differences in local needs. The best solutions entail greater governmental commitment and application of infection control procedures consistent with available resources. The International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) plays an important role in these activities in developing countries.