The Importance of Hand Hygiene: Protecting Your Health

World Hand Hygiene Day is observed on the 5th of May every year aiming to promote the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infection and promoting good health. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Accelerate action together’

In recognition of World Hand Hygiene Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its commitment to accelerating global action to promote hand hygiene and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection prevention and control, particularly in healthcare settings. It is a simple yet effective measure that can help to reduce the transmission of harmful pathogens and prevent healthcare-associated infections.

This year’s theme for World Hand Hygiene Day is “Seconds save lives – clean your hands!” The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene and encourage healthcare workers, patients, and the general public to make hand hygiene a priority in their daily lives.

In a statement, the WHO emphasized the need for collaboration and collective action to promote hand hygiene and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The organization called on governments, healthcare organizations, and individuals to work together to improve hand hygiene practices and reduce the burden of healthcare-associated infections.

The WHO also highlighted the critical role of hand hygiene in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Proper hand hygiene, along with other public health measures such as social distancing and mask-wearing, is an essential tool in controlling the spread of the virus and protecting public health.

RE-reported from the story originally published in ANI