Each year on May 5, the World Health Organization highlights the importance of clean hands with World Hand Hygiene Day. In healthcare settings, proper hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful tool to prevent the spread of infections and save lives. Healthcare workers come into contact with dozens of patients and surfaces daily, making clean hands essential for breaking the chain of infection. Whether it’s before touching a patient, after exposure to bodily fluids, or before a procedure, consistent hand hygiene can prevent healthcare-associated infections and protect both patients and providers.
Hand hygiene is just as important in our daily lives. We touch our faces, food, and personal items constantly—often without realizing it. Washing our hands before eating, after using the restroom, or after being in public spaces helps prevent the spread of germs like cold viruses, flu, and other contagious illnesses. While the risks may seem less urgent than in hospitals, the same principles apply: clean hands protect everyone around us. Whether at home, school, or work, hand hygiene is a simple act that promotes public health and personal well-being.