‘Hand hygiene day’ promoted by health groups

A global information campaign on handwashing is underway, to mark World Hand Hygiene Day, the Cyprus branch of the EU infection control committee (EUCIC) and the clinical microbiology society (CMI) announced on Friday.

Hand washing should be practiced frequently and correctly, the health bodies said, adding that in hospital settings compliance by health professionals should be monitored and infrastructure for proper implementation should be provided.

“Promoting hand hygiene is our duty as health professionals and is the cheapest preventive measure for reducing morbidity and mortality, as well as costs resulting from communicable diseases,” the announcement said.

Handwashing is a sign of respect for others and the environment, the health bodies continued, and is the reason it is taught to health professionals in their first years of study, as well as in workplaces and schools. This simple measure, when applied, can saves lives.

Studies from around the world show that hand hygiene compliance in hospitals is quite low, especially when health professionals’ workload is high.

More information on the global hand hygiene campaign and educational videos on proper hand washing can be viewed on the WHO’s website.