Experts Advocate Hand Hygiene Culture to Prevent Infections, Strengthen Health Systems
Call for National Adoption of Hand Hygiene Practices
Health experts and government officials are pushing for hand hygiene to become an institutionalized national culture rather than just an annual observance. This call was made during the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day commemoration at Maitama District Hospital in Abuja.
The Critical Role of Hand Hygiene in Infection Prevention
Organized by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the hospital, the event highlighted that approximately 70% of infections are transmitted through hands.
Abiodun Issa, Lead of the IPC Programme at APIN Public Health Initiatives, emphasized: “It’s only logical to improve our habits and stop the spread of infections through proper hand hygiene, not just in health facilities, but in homes and communities.”
Beyond Symbolic Observance: Making Hand Hygiene a Daily Practice
Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services at FCTA, stressed that hand hygiene must become a continuous habit rather than an annual campaign. She noted that regular audits and structured training are essential for building a robust safety culture.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
Experts also addressed the environmental consequences of improper glove use, noting that medical gloves take about 10 years to degrade. Hannatu Isaiq, Head of Nursing at Maitama District Hospital, highlighted that investing in infection prevention actually saves costs by reducing healthcare expenses and protecting patients.
Multi-Sectoral Collaboration for Sustainable Impact
The event featured perspectives from various organizations including DRASA Health Trust, AFRENET, and IHVN, all emphasizing the need for:
- Strong leadership support
- Continuous training programs
- Strategic partnerships
- Resource allocation
A Unified Call to Action
Stakeholders reached consensus that embedding hand hygiene into daily healthcare practice is essential for:
- Preventing disease outbreaks
- Strengthening health systems
- Building public trust
- Reducing healthcare costs
The World Hand Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 5, serves as a global reminder of this critical health practice. However, as experts concluded, its principles must be practiced daily to achieve meaningful impact.
READ ALSO: Use of gloves not substitute for hand hygiene – Experts
Credit: NAN