Stakeholders call for hand hygiene culture beyond annual events
By Abujah Racheal
To curb healthcare-associated infections and strengthen public health systems, IPC stakeholders and government officials urge that hand hygiene be institutionalised as a national culture, not merely observed as a symbolic annual event.
They made the call on Monday during a commemorative event marking World Hand Hygiene Day 2025, held at Maitama District Hospital in Abuja.
The event, themed, “It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene,” was organised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through its IPC Unit, in collaboration with the hospital.
Dr Abiodun Issa, Lead, IPC Programme at APIN Public Health Initiatives, stated that approximately 70 per cent of infections were transmitted via hands, underscoring the need for consistent hand hygiene across all levels of society.
“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,” Issa said.
He also warned against the misuse of medical gloves, noting their environmental impact.
“It takes about 10 years for a glove to degrade. These things contribute to global warming,” he said.
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), emphasised that hand hygiene should not be reduced to a once-a-year campaign.
“Hand hygiene and infection prevention must be ingrained as a continuous habit.
“Regular, unannounced audits and structured training are essential to build a robust culture of safety,” she said, adding that leadership support and the recognition of champions were key to long-term progress.
Mrs Hannatu Isaiq, Head of Nursing at Maitama District Hospital, described investing in IPC as a cost-saving measure.
“It protects patients, reduces healthcare expenses, and empowers healthcare workers to become positive change agents,” she said.
Mr Olusoji Charles, Assistant Chief Geologist with the WASH Response & Collaboration Unit at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, called hand hygiene “the simplest and most effective tool” for disease prevention.
“In no time, if anything happens, it spreads fast. That’s why personal responsibility and sustained collaboration are essential,” he warned.
Ms Oluwatoni Akinola, Antimicrobial Resistance & IPC Programme Officer at the Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust (DRASA), echoed the sentiment: “Hand hygiene is a powerful, life-saving practice that must become second nature.
“It saves lives, builds trust, cuts costs, and strengthens our health system.”
From a regional perspective, Dr Aisha Farouq, IPC Programme Lead at the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFRENET), highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships.
“Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of healthcare. Our collaboration with NCDC is helping save lives and promote peace, health, and national growth,” she said.
Mrs Chidinma Ibe, Head of the IPC Programme at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), stressed the need for continued institutional support.
“Hand hygiene is fundamental to infection prevention.
“Our longstanding partnership with Maitama District Hospital is crucial for building capacity, strengthening IPC practices, and providing essential resources,” she noted.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders reached a consensus: embedding hand hygiene into daily healthcare practice is essential to safeguarding health systems and preventing future disease outbreaks.
They emphasised that this must be supported by strong leadership, continuous training, and multi-sectoral collaboration to minimise environmental harm and ensure long-term impact.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) marks May 5 annually as World Hand Hygiene Day to raise global awareness about the importance of clean hands in preventing infections and protecting healthcare systems.
The event ended with a unified call to action for healthcare stakeholders to recommit to hand hygiene as a life-saving practice that must not be overlooked, regardless of gloves or other protective gear. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Abiemwense Moru
Published By
