Within the healthcare industry, where there is a narrow line between prevention and treatment, there is a group of innovators who labour nonstop to protect patients’ health: the Infection Control Innovators. These extraordinary people and groups are creating a safer, healthier future by transforming the way we fight illnesses and protect the general public’s health.

Their output has no boundaries. Their influence can be felt everywhere, from the busy hallways of hospitals to the serene surroundings of long-term care institutions, from the front lines of international pandemics to the peaceful havens of rural clinics. One invention at a time, they are rewriting the rulebook on infection management with improvements in antimicrobial agent research, sanitation practices, and innovative methods of infection surveillance.

However, their contributions are significant in ways that go beyond healthcare. These innovators are not only saving lives but also relieving pressure on healthcare systems, improving patient outcomes, and promoting a culture of safety and trust by lowering the prevalence of infections linked to healthcare.

We cordially invite you to go with us on an exploration of the most recent developments in infection control in this special edition. We will examine the significant influence these unsung heroes are having on healthcare systems and communities around the globe through in-depth profiles, expert analysis, and real world case studies.

So let’s recognise the creativity, commitment, and revolutionary potential of infection control pioneers. Together, let’s honour their unwavering dedication and imagine a time when infections are defeated rather than feared.