Is Hand Hygiene a Luxury or the Foundation of Safe Healthcare? WHO
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Synopsis
Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent infections and ensure safe healthcare. In an insightful statement, Saima Wazed from WHO highlights its importance for healthcare workers and patients alike. As World Hand Hygiene Day approaches, the need for effective infection prevention strategies becomes even more evident.
Key Takeaways
- Hand hygiene is essential for safe healthcare.
- It supports universal health coverage and the WASH agenda.
- WHO has established guidelines to enhance IPC.
- Many countries have active IPC programs.
- Continued improvement in IPC is necessary for effective healthcare.
New Delhi, May 4 (NationPress) Hand hygiene is not merely a luxury; it is the foundation of safe healthcare and is essential for all healthcare professionals, patients, and their families during every healthcare interaction, stated Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, on Sunday.
This practice enhances the quality of universal health coverage, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3.8, and significantly bolsters the water, sanitation, hygiene, and health (WASH) agenda. Furthermore, hand hygiene is a critical element in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, especially as we approach World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5.
“Infection prevention and control (IPC), which encompasses hand hygiene, is vital for safe and efficient healthcare systems. WHO has assisted countries in formulating evidence-based IPC guidelines for healthcare environments and has established the WHO Core Components of IPC, a standardized framework that directs national IPC programs, healthcare facilities, and training initiatives to ensure effective infection control,” Wazed elaborated in a statement.
Additionally, WHO has crafted a Global IPC Strategy, Action Plan, and Monitoring Framework to assist Member States in effectively progressing this agenda.
‘World Hand Hygiene Day 2025’ emphasizes the urgency for nations to swiftly consider implementing the Global action plan and monitoring framework on infection prevention and control (IPC) for 2024–2030 — backed by a guide to implementation — and the imperative to continually enhance IPC as underscored in the latest Global report on infection prevention and control for 2024.
The Global Report indicates that many countries in the South-East Asia region have an active national IPC program, with numerous initiatives supported by national guidelines that align with either national standards or WHO’s core component benchmarks.
“The designated IPC focal points reported having allocated time for their responsibilities in most of our countries, and six of these nations have a dedicated budget earmarked for the IPC program according to planned activities,” Wazed noted.
Point of View
It is clear that hand hygiene is not just a routine practice; it is an essential component of healthcare that protects lives. The insights from WHO emphasize the responsibility of health workers, patients, and families to prioritize hygiene. With global efforts aimed at strengthening infection prevention, we must advocate for sustained focus and resources to uphold these standards.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is hand hygiene important in healthcare?
Hand hygiene is crucial in healthcare as it prevents infections, promotes patient safety, and is essential for effective infection control measures.
What is the role of WHO in hand hygiene?
WHO provides guidelines, frameworks, and support for countries to implement effective hand hygiene practices and infection prevention protocols.
When is World Hand Hygiene Day?
World Hand Hygiene Day is observed on May 5th each year to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare.
