International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) 2023

International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) takes place October 15-21, 2023, and is organized by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Infection prevention is more important than ever in the battle against a global pandemic and to prevent healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks. Therefore, this year’s theme is ‘Celebrate the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention’. APIC wants to emphasize the role that individuals can play in the health and safety of their community by showcasing the science behind infection prevention, the importance of countering misinformation, and to inspire the world’s future IPs to join the fight. I’d like to ask you to join us in encouraging healthcare personnel, patients, and families to celebrate the bravery and expertise the infection prevention and control community has shown before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some ideas on how you can help your facility recognize IPs during IIPW:

Highlight IIPW in the [Facility Name/Newsletter Title] newsletter. You can repurpose APICs pre-written infection prevention articles.
Share APIC’s “Who Are IPs” factsheet and infographic
Share your activities and spread awareness about IIPW on social media.
Use IIPW logos and other sample materials to create signs, posters, banners, screensavers, and announcements for your facility.
Print out the Infection Prevention and You infographics, brochures, flyers, and posters to educate patients about preventing infection.
Order IIPW branded merchandise for booths, displays, or prizes.
Share infection prevention quizzes, like: “Are You an Infection Preventionist” and “Science and History Behind Infection Prevention”.
Watch and share both the “Value of Infection Prevention” and “Infection Preventionists Save Lives” videos.