Italy faces national emergency over hospital-acquired infections

Data presented at a recent health conference in Rome indicates that Italy suffers from approximately 500,000 healthcare-associated infections annually. According to the association Codices, one third of these infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

Italy currently holds the European record for incidence and mortality related to antibiotic resistance, accounting for nearly 12,000 deaths per year, which represents one third of the total deaths in Europe. In acute care wards, infection rates affect between 6% and 8% of patients, while rates in intensive care units can reach 20%.

The estimated annual cost to the Italian National Health Service is 783 million euros. Ivano Giacomelli, National Secretary of Codices, stated that many of these infections are preventable through rigorous control, surveillance, and proper antibiotic management. The association argues that these figures represent a systemic failure rather than unavoidable fatalities, calling for stricter prevention protocols, inspections, and sanctions for non-compliance.