World Hand Hygiene Day 2023
World Hand Hygiene Day, observed on 5 May, aims to highlight the importance of achieving effective hand hygiene and infection prevention and control (IPC) measures at the point of care. Hand hygiene saves millions of lives every year when performed at the right moments and in the right way during health care delivery. Clean care protects both patients and health workers.
The theme of this year’s Day “Together, we can accelerate progress on hand hygiene” targets a range of stakeholders, but particularly civil society organizations who are often able to spearhead and accelerate change, to help accelerate progress at achieving effective hand hygiene at the point of care to prevent health care-associated infections, including epidemic- and pandemic-prone and antimicrobial resistant infections that are increasing in frequency, scale and impact.
SAVE LIVES – Clean Your Hands
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many important lessons and while many countries are demonstrating strong commitment and advances in IPC practices, including hand hygiene, progress is slow overall and increased investment is needed to close gaps. Hand hygiene is a smart investment that offers exceptional return for each dollar invested.
This year, WHO is calling on all civil society organizations and other partner organizations to engage with the campaign and accelerate progress at achieving effective hand hygiene at point of care.
Message from Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director, on the occasion of World Hand Hygiene Day
