Israel’s Health Ministry Reports Significant Drop in Hospital-Acquired Infections in 2025

The Israeli Ministry of Health released its 2025 report from the National Center for Infection Prevention and Antibiotic Resistance, revealing a continued decline in life-threatening hospital-acquired infections across the country. The rate of sepsis cases in intensive care units dropped from 5.3 to 2.6 per 1,000 patient days. Overall, about 4,000 infections were recorded nationwide, compared to an estimated 8,700 cases without the Ministry’s interventions.

The report highlights infection rates by hospital departments, with internal medicine and surgical wards showing nearly 5 infections per 1,000 patient days, while cardiothoracic surgery and pediatric cardiac surgery had around 3 to 4 cases. Maternity and neonatal units reported the lowest infection rates, meeting the Ministry’s targets. Among major hospitals, Shamir Medical Center and Soroka Medical Center achieved the lowest infection rates in intensive care units, meeting the Ministry’s goal of 3 cases per 1,000 patient days. Other hospitals like Ichilov, Rambam, Hadassah Ein Kerem, and Shaare Zedek had varying infection profiles, with some not meeting targets.

In pediatric wards, several hospitals including Kaplan, Emek, and Maayanei Hayeshua reported zero infections, while others like Wolfson and Rambam exceeded targets. Neonatal and maternity wards showed improvements, with some hospitals achieving zero infection rates. The Ministry also noted a significant reduction in urinary tract infections acquired during hospitalization, with decreases of 44%-60% in internal and surgical wards compared to 2016.

The Ministry’s efforts included 119 inspections, professional training, and the development of national guidelines. A dedicated budget of approximately 40 million NIS supported infection prevention programs. The report emphasized challenges posed by emergency situations, such as underground sheltering during recent military operations, which complicated infection control but were managed effectively.

Prof. Yehuda Carmeli, head of the National Center, acknowledged occasional outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant pathogens but stressed the overall success in balancing risk management during wartime conditions. The Ministry continues to enhance monitoring, laboratory investigations, and educational activities to sustain the downward trend in hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance in Israel.