Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is a potential adverse event that can affect individuals seeking health care globally. Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach that prevents patients and health workers from being harmed by avoidable infections. This thesis aims to make a situation analysis about the implementation of IPC programmes globally, to provide evidence on successful hand hygiene interventions and promotional approaches, and to identify gaps and areas for improvement and organizational contextual factors. Five research studies are presented. Each of them provided significant and unique evidence in the field of IPC. By conducting these studies, an improved understanding of the organization of IPC programmes and hand hygiene initiatives in both high- and low-income settings were achieved, with implications for the future planning and evaluation of effective strategies to reduce HAIs. This work has important implications for global guidance to prevent and control HAIs and antimicrobial resistance.