Infection control in Saudi Arabia: Meeting the challenge

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infection poses significant clinical and economic burden worldwide. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, infection control is a young, rapidly growing specialty. An infrastructure to expedite the growth of this important discipline is fast being established. The kingdom faces unique challenges when addressing infection control, which are the subject of this review. Much of the policy-making in domestic infection control is driven by the preventive medicine concerns of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, which are unparalleled. The Saudi Ministry of Health acts to contain and control public health risks at this gathering of 2 million. Infectious hazards at the Hajj include meningococcal meningitis, respiratory tract infections, bloodborne diseases, and zoonotic diseases, all of which have international ramifications as pilgrimaging Muslims return home. In the wake of the extraordinary pace of modernization in Saudi Arabia, deficiencies in infection control remain, which are slowly being redressed. This review examines the anatomy of infection control and its evolution in the kingdom. Future goals and infection control policy-making are given particular emphasis. Saudi Arabia seeks increasing international partnership in the area of infection control and preventive medicine. The Saudi health care system was formed on the basis of Western models to resounding success. Saudi Arabia is now in a position to provide experience and knowledge in return. International dialogue in the infection control arena is of mutual value. Important public health progress is afoot in this young kingdom, and these advances translate both regionally and on the international platform. (Am J Infect Control 2002;30:57-65.)