World Hand Hygiene Day: A simple action that saves lives

Washington, D.C., 5 May 2025 (PAHO) — Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and cost-efficient measures to prevent infections in health care settings and to combat antimicrobial resistance. On World Hand Hygiene Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) underscores that while medical gloves play a key role in preventing the transmission of infections—particularly in situations involving potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids—they are not a substitute for performing hand hygiene at the appropriate times.

Observed every year on 5 May, this year’s campaign is marked by the slogan “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene.” The message calls attention to the environmental impact of the unnecessary use of gloves and the waste this generates. “For example, nitrile gloves, which were among the most widely used during the pandemic, can take more than 400 years to decompose. This highlights the need for sustainable alternatives and responsible glove use,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director.

According to the Global Report on Infection Prevention and Control 2024 from the World Health Organization (WHO), 17 out of 20 countries (85%) in the Region of the Americas that participated in a 2023–2024 global survey have an active national infection prevention and control (IPC) program. With respect to hand hygiene compliance, 15 countries (75%) have designated it as a key national indicator, an increase from 62.5% in the 2021–2022 period. However, gaps persist in access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in health care facilities across the Region.

“Going forward, we must prioritize hand hygiene in national strategies for infection prevention and control. By 2026, we expect hand hygiene monitoring to be a key national indicator,” said Dr. Barbosa in a video message. “This goal is ambitious, but achievable, through the collective efforts of health personnel, policy makers, and communities,” he added.

Global statistics reflect the magnitude of the challenge: on average, seven out of every 100 patients in high-income countries and 15 in low- and middle-income countries will acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection during their stay in acute care hospitals. Globally, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and WHO estimate that, by 2050, these infections could cause nearly 3.5 million deaths annually, 4.4 times more than deaths from HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases combined in 2021.

PAHO works with countries across the Region to strengthen national IPC capacities. This includes promoting minimum infrastructure standards and supporting the implementation of policies and programs that ensure safe conditions for patients, health workers, family members, and visitors. Performing hand hygiene at the right time, using the correct technique, and at all levels of care is an action that saves lives, protects health personnel, and contributes to reducing environmental contamination.