Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent the spread of infections. Washing hands with soap and water or using an appropriate alcohol based hand rub can reduce the transfer of germs between people and surfaces.

World Hand Hygiene Day highlights the importance of hand hygiene, particularly in healthcare settings where patients may already be vulnerable to infection. Healthcare workers, patients, visitors and caregivers all have a role to play in maintaining good hand hygiene.

Hands should be cleaned at important moments, including before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing and after caring for someone who is unwell. In healthcare environments, hand hygiene is also important before and after contact with patients and during different stages of care.