World Hand Hygiene Day

May 5, Monday

World Hand Hygiene Day is celebrated annually on May 5th. It is a global campaign initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings and in everyday life. The day is part of a broader effort to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, emphasizing how clean hands can save lives.

Why May 5th?
The date, May 5th, was strategically chosen to represent the five fingers on each hand, symbolizing the crucial role hand hygiene plays in healthcare and daily life. This symbolic gesture helps reinforce the importance of maintaining clean hands to stop the spread of infections.

The Goals of World Hand Hygiene Day
The campaign aims to:
- Encourage healthcare workers to practice proper hand hygiene at critical moments to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
- Educate the public on proper handwashing techniques and their importance in preventing illnesses.
- Highlight global IPC efforts and their role in reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Key Messages of the Campaign
Each year, WHO focuses on specific themes or challenges related to hand hygiene. These include messages such as:
- Hand hygiene is a simple and cost-effective way to save lives.
- Proper hand hygiene in healthcare can protect patients, staff, and communities.
- Everyone has a role to play in promoting clean hands for a safer, healthier world.

World Hand Hygiene Day serves as a reminder that maintaining proper hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful way to prevent the spread of diseases and improve health outcomes globally. Everyone can contribute by spreading awareness and ensuring clean hands in all aspects of life.

World Hand Hygiene Day – days left: 96. Create Countdown to Event

World Hand Hygiene Day in other years

2021 May 5, Wednesday
2022 May 5, Thursday
2023 May 5, Friday
2024 May 5, Sunday
2026 May 5, Tuesday

World Hand Hygiene Day in other countries