Global Hand Hygiene Day

May 3 2023 8:35AM

Global Hand Hygiene Day is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This year the campaign falls on the 5th of May and it's a great opportunity to remind everyone to wash their hands properly and to share some statistics about hand hygiene in the UK.

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available. This can reduce the risk of infection by up to 50%.

So how do you wash your hands properly? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps:

 

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), and apply soap.

 

 

2. Rub your hands together to create a lather, and scrub them well for at least 20 seconds.

 

3. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

 

?4. Rinse your hands well under running water.

 

 

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

It's important to wash your hands frequently, especially after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Now, let's take a look at some statistics about hand hygiene in the UK:

• A survey conducted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in 2019 found that only 36% of people in the UK wash their hands for the recommended 20 seconds.
• Another survey conducted by the NHS in 2020 found that only 57% of people in the UK wash their hands before eating, and only 45% wash their hands after returning home from being outdoors.
• According to a report published by the UK National Infection Service, there were 1.15 million cases of healthcare-associated infections in the UK in 2018. Good hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings.

These statistics highlight the need for more education and awareness about proper hand washing techniques. By practicing good hand hygiene, we can help prevent the spread of infection and create a healthier world for ourselves and those around us.

Global Hand Hygiene Day is an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of hand hygiene and how to wash their hands properly. It's a call to action for everyone to take steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Healthcare workers, in particular, have a vital role to play in preventing healthcare-associated infections by practising good hand hygiene and encouraging their patients to do the same.

Good hand hygiene is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. On Global Hand Hygiene Day, let's all pledge to practice good hand hygiene, raise awareness of its importance and encourage others to do the same. By working together, we can create a healthier world for ourselves and those around us.