Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in hundreds of millions of patients each year globally, causing increased illness, death and costs. HAIs typically involve four types of infections and rates are usually higher in developing countries. HAIs prolong hospital stays by up to 3 weeks and increase costs by USD $4,888 to $11,591 per infection episode. It is estimated that 65-70% of HAIs are preventable. While preventing HAIs requires initial investment, it can free up hospital beds and resources in the long-run, improving outcomes and making more efficient use of limited healthcare funds.