5 May 2021
Today is World Hand Hygiene Day 2021 – a day to remind us all of the importance of proper hand hygiene on an individual level and in healthcare settings. The theme of this year’s event is “Seconds Save Lives – Clean Your Hands.” Taking time to wash hands properly – 40 to 60 seconds with soap and water – is key to stopping the spread of disease, including COVID-19.
“Sometimes simple activities, such as proper handwashing, are among the most important tools in keeping people safe from disease,” said Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to the Philippines. “Proper handwashing protects healthcare workers and patients in care settings. World Hand Hygiene Day 2021 is a reminder to wash hands well and properly.”
World Hand Hygiene Day is part of WHO’s annual “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands” campaign – a global drive to improve hand hygiene. Launched in 2009, it is now a major global event with millions registering to promote the critical importance of hand hygiene within healthcare facilities.
WHO advocates the “5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” to define the key moments when healthcare workers should clean their hands: 1) before touching a patient; 2) before clean/aseptic procedures; 3) after exposure or risk of exposure to bodily fluids; 4) after touching a patients; and 5) after touching patient surroundings. Clean care is safer care.
Handwashing is an important part of COVID-19 prevention measures, including: wearing your mask properly, practicing physical distancing, avoiding crowded places and settings, and getting vaccinated when it’s your turn.
Know more about the global campaign here.
We encourage you to help reduce the spread of infection through effective hand washing techniques. Remember that a few seconds of your time can save lives.
For further information, contact:
Bel de Leon, Communications Associate, deanne@who.int, +63 917 879 0105