How hospital sinks contribute to AMR in maternal and neonatal care

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial in healthcare settings, particularly in maternal and neonatal units. Bacterial infections pose a significant risk to hospitalized patients, particularly during delivery. Infections contribute to nearly 1 in 10 maternal deaths globally, and nepsis is a leading cause of newborn mortality. In African hospitals, over 40% of admitted newborns are affected by sepsis, often linked to low birthweight, prematurity, or maternal infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is growing, with common pathogens like E. coli and Klebsiella becoming increasingly resistant to first-line antibiotics. Sinks in maternity and neonatal units can serve as persistent reservoirs for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, evading cleaning and forming biofilms. Studies from Kenya, Botswana, France, and the UK have detected these pathogens in sink drains, splash zones, and plumbing. Sink design and placement further shape risk, with poorly designed sinks, plugholes beneath taps, poor drainage, or missing splash guards contributing to infection risk. As infection prevention globally strengthens, it’s time to pay closer attention to what lies beneath hospital sinks.