International Infection Prevention Week 2026: Generations of Infection Prevention | Past. Present. Protected.

From October 19 to 25, International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) brings people around the world together to raise awareness of the critical importance of infection prevention and to recognize the people whose expertise and commitment help keep patients, healthcare workers, and communities safe. 

This year’s theme, “Generations of Infection Prevention | Past. Present. Protected.”, looks at how infection prevention has evolved over the years, and why the work we do today matters for future generations. 

Many of the infection prevention practices we rely on today began with the work of those who came before us. Their knowledge, experience, and commitment laid the foundation for safer healthcare. But infection prevention is never finished. New challenges continue to emerge, and healthcare environments are constantly changing. Infection prevention professionals have to keep learning, adapting, and finding better ways to protect people. This year’s theme is a chance to recognize both sides of that story: to appreciate the people who built the foundations of infection prevention, while celebrating those who continue that work today. 

In healthcare facilities, infection prevention is part of everyday care. Healthcare workers and patients can be especially vulnerable to infection, which makes simple, consistent hygiene practices an important part of keeping them safe. Hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and appropriate disinfection may seem like routine tasks, but they play an important role in reducing the spread of infectious microorganisms in healthcare settings. Having the right products and solutions readily available, from effective hand soaps and hygiene products to appropriate cleaning and disinfection solutions, makes it easier and safer for healthcare workers to do their work. 

“Past. Present. Protected.” is more than a theme. It reminds us that infection prevention is a shared legacy and a shared responsibility. We can honor those who helped build the foundations of infection prevention by learning from their experience, putting good practices into action today, and looking for better ways to continue their work.  

Together, we can turn knowledge into everyday action, make safer environments part of everyday care, and carry lessons of the past into a healthier future.  

To learn more about the campaign, please visit the International Infection Prevention Week page here.