Hand hygiene, practiced at the right moments, saves lives. The WHO focuses its hand hygiene campaign on preventing healthcare-associated infections — a reminder of the critical role hand hygiene plays in protecting lives in medical and hospital settings. Why Is Hand Hygiene Essential? According to the WHO, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide each year. In this era of antimicrobial resistance, hand hygiene is one of the most effective and cost-efficient methods to reduce these infections. The WHO estimates that better hand hygiene practices could reduce the transmission of pathogens by 50% or more, saving 5 to 8 million lives. The Transmission of Infections These infections, sometimes severe — such as sepsis (generalised infection) — lead to extended hospital stays, significant costs for patients and their families, and for healthcare systems. They are also responsible for a very large number of deaths. Infection is transmitted through contact with the patient or inanimate objects in their immediate environment. Microorganisms can survive on hands for several minutes. Without proper handwashing, contamination is passed on to another individual or to their surroundings. How to Wash Hands Correctly? Hands should be cleaned using an alcohol-based hand rub when they are not visibly soiled. If hands are visibly dirty, it takes 40 to 60 seconds to properly wash the back and palm of the hands, fingers, and nails. Key Moments for Healthcare Workers Healthcare workers must follow good hand hygiene practices:
- Before and after direct contact with a patient
- After removing gloves
- Before any medical procedure
- After contact with biological fluids, excretions, mucous membranes, or broken skin
- When moving from a contaminated site to a clean site
- After touching a patient's environment