World Hand Hygiene Day is observed every year on 5 May to emphasise that clean hands are one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of infections. The World Health Organization coordinates this global day under its patient safety work, focusing strongly on hand hygiene in hospitals, clinics and other health facilities where vulnerable patients can be exposed to germs carried on the hands of staff, visitors and caregivers.
Why it matters
Healthcare-associated infections occur in hospitals and clinics around the world and affect millions of patients each year, even though many of these infections are preventable through basic measures such as proper handwashing. When hands are not cleaned at the right moments, harmful bacteria and viruses can move from patient to patient, from surfaces to wounds and from contaminated equipment to the bloodstream, leading to longer hospital stays, serious illness and higher costs. Simple, consistent hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based handrub has been shown to reduce infection rates, protect healthcare workers and patients and slow the spread of antibiotic-resistant germs that are harder to treat. World Hand Hygiene Day reminds leaders and frontline staff that strong hand hygiene programmes are essential to safe, high-quality care.
History
The 5 May date was chosen to symbolise the two hands and five fingers on each hand, reinforcing the idea that every hand and every finger matters when preventing infections. Building on earlier infection prevention work, the World Health Organization launched the Save Lives: Clean Your Hands campaign in 2009 and designated 5 May as World Hand Hygiene Day to give countries a clear, recurring moment to renew their commitment. Since then, hospitals, ministries of health and professional bodies have used the day each year to run awareness campaigns, update hand hygiene policies, improve access to sinks and alcohol-based handrub and train staff, students and patients on correct technique and timing.
Key facts
Common conditions
- healthcare-associated infections
- surgical site infections
- bloodstream infections
- respiratory infections
- diarrhoeal illness
- infections in intensive care
Who is most affected
- hospitalised patients
- newborns and young children
- elderly adults
- people with weak immune systems
- healthcare workers exposed to many patients
What you can do
- wash hands regularly with soap and water
- use alcohol-based handrub when water is not available
- clean hands before touching a patient or wound
- clean hands after using the toilet or changing nappies
- remind others in hospitals and at home about proper hand hygiene
Frequently asked questions
- Why is World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5?
- The date 5/5 was chosen to symbolise the five fingers on each of our two hands and to create an easy reminder that every finger and every hand is important for preventing infections.
- How long should proper handwashing take?
- Proper handwashing should take at least 20 seconds with soap and water, covering all surfaces of both hands, including between the fingers and under the nails.