Healthcare-Associated Infections : First World Forum on a critical public health issue

Healthcare-associated infections are a critical public health issue which affect at least 7 million people per year, including 2 million in the United States and 5 million in Europe. Within the United States, 80,000 people will die as a result of HAI, and 50,000 in Europe. In addition to these alarming numbers, HAI are responsible for longer hospital stays and rising healthcare costs, generating nearly $6 billion in extra expenses each year. Experts consider that up to 30 % of HAI are preventable.

« This first World HAI Forum is intended to be a unique opportunity to meet and exchange on the subject, and will lead to the emergence of new ideas for the implementation of actions to fight this major healthcare concern » states Alain Mérieux, President of bioMérieux.

« The microbiology laboratory plays a key role in the fight against HAI and microbial resistance (prevention programs, epidemiological surveillance, outbreak detection, etc.). Partnering microbiologists for over four decades, bioMérieux will continue to expand its offer in this field, developing innovative solutions which contribute to the daily fight against this public health challenge » adds Thierry Bernard, Corporate Vice President Commercial Operations at bioMérieux.

The subjects of discussion at this Forum will include reviews of the current situation, exchanges on the most recent research findings, and programs to reduce morbidity, mortality and excess healthcare costs.

This high-level scientific meeting will become a regular event organized every 2 years.

A Press Session, in the presence of Professors Vincent Jarlier, Herman Goossens, Waleria Hryniewicz and Thierry Bernard will be held on Monday June 4th at 18.00 at the Mérieux Foundation, ”Les Pensières”, in the Simone Mérieux meeting room.