Countries of the same geographical area share similar situations,
apart from some clear exceptions, like South Africa in Africa, Japan
and South Korea in Asia, and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East. Some
regional programs and agreements supported the improvement of
a certain area, but other factors (e.g. waste segregation and regulations,
and the management of sharps) are particularly crucial
(Figs. 1e3). Some countries achieved international standards
several years ago, and in recent times few papers report HCWM in
general terms. Indeed more attention is dedicated to specific aspects,
like treatment technologies or transmission mechanisms of a
certain infection, or the improvement of environmental and economic
sustainability of the health-care system.