World Hand Hygiene Day 2025

In 2009, the World Health Organization launched World Hand Hygiene Day. Every year since, on May 5, the global health community takes this opportunity to emphasize the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. This campaign serves as a reminder of the power of clean hands in health care settings worldwide. This year’s theme is ‘It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene”, underscores the misconception that wearing gloves can replace the need for hand hygiene.

Hand Hygiene Best Practices
Good hand hygiene removes microorganisms that spread germs from the hands. When performed correctly, it is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infections. In health care settings, hand hygiene can eliminate microorganisms spread through contact with patients, contaminated equipment or the environment.

Evidence suggests that in all health care settings, the use of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is the most effective method for reducing bacterial contamination from the hand and that if hands are visibly soiled, using soap and running water is the preferred method.

Medical Gloves
Medical gloves are essential in health care but do not offer 100% protection. Disposable gloves used during medical care and procedures can become contaminated just like bare hands and should be removed after patient contact and proper hand hygiene should be performed immediately.

Hand hygiene at the right times and in the right way remains one of the most effective measures to protect patients and health care workers. Regardless of whether gloves are worn, proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections. According to WHO, by 2026, hand hygiene compliance monitoring and feedback should be established as a key national indicator in all reference hospitals. Currently, 68% of countries report they are implementing this practice.

The frequent use of medical gloves can have negative impacts on one’s skin as well. It is important to not wear medical gloves for longer than is needed and to practice good skin care, to keep your hands healthy, in addition to proper hand hygiene.

Excessive glove use contributes significantly to health care waste. Appropriate glove use, combined with proper hand hygiene, can help reduce unnecessary waste. Between February and August 2020, 3 billion items of personal protective equipment were used, generating 591 tonnes of waste per day, with gloves being the largest contributor.

Infection Prevention and Control at PHO
PHO’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team plays a vital role in safeguarding heath across the province. They develop and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent the spread of infections in all care settings. A key focus of their work is promoting effective hand hygiene practices thereby protecting patients, residents, health care workers and visitors. Through comprehensive resources, training and expert guidance, PHO’s IPAC team supports health care providers in implementing robust hand hygiene programs, reinforcing the importance of clean hands in maintaining public health.

PHO Resources
We have many resources on hand hygiene including best practice documents, FAQs and checklists. Check out our Hand Hygiene webpage for more information.