Israel Reports 50% Drop in Hospital Infections, Saving Over 1,300 Lives in 2025

Israel's Ministry of Health released its 2025 report on hospital-acquired infections, revealing a dramatic 50% reduction in infection rates, which saved approximately 1,319 lives last year. This significant improvement is attributed to the national infection prevention program initiated in 2024. The program also prevented around 4,668 infection cases in hospitals nationwide.

Despite the overall progress, infection rates vary widely among hospitals and departments. For example, Sheba Medical Center recorded 51 cases of bloodstream infections in its intensive care units, while Soroka Medical Center reported 41 such cases in its neonatal intensive care unit. Conversely, Yoseftal and Hadassah Mount Scopus hospitals completely eliminated urinary tract infections in their internal medicine departments.

The Ministry highlighted that larger hospitals tend to treat more complex cases, which increases infection risks. In internal medicine wards, Sheba had 26 urinary tract infection cases, whereas Ichilov, Beilinson, and Rambam each reported 10 cases. No improvement was noted recently in neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, and neurosurgery units.

The reduction in infections led to a healthcare system saving of over 30,000 hospital days and approximately 300 million shekels in 2025. Israel's infection rates now compare favorably to several European countries, though infections still affect about 5% of hospitalized patients and cause thousands of deaths annually.

Looking ahead, the National Center for Infection Prevention is launching targeted incentive programs in 2026 to further reduce infection rates in general hospitals and long-term care wards. The Ministry continues comprehensive monitoring and focused interventions to improve hygiene, work processes, and antibiotic stewardship.