US to Grant $40m to Prevent HAIs

6 September 2009 (Last Updated September 6th, 2009 18:30)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will grant $40m to state health departments to help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be distributed through cooperative agreements across 49 states, Wash

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will grant $40m to state health departments to help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

The funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be distributed through cooperative agreements across 49 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.

The grant is aimed at improving HAI prevention efforts including encouraging healthcare facilities and health departments to use the CDC's surveillance system that allows HAI data to be tracked, analysed and compared.

It will also help states in the recruitment and training of public health staff to promote and lead HAI prevention efforts, the CDC said.