Infection control

Hand hygiene 

Background

WHO SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands annual initiative is part of a major global effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to support health-care workers to improve hand hygiene in health care and thus support the prevention of often life threatening health-care associated infections.

In 2009, Viet Nam became the 118th country to pledge its support for the Global Patient Safety Challenge, Clean Care is Safer Care programme which targets efforts on the importance of clean hands in health care. The signing event was attended by over 30 Ministry of Health officials.
Video link: ttp://whovideo.vo.msecnd.net/streaming/patientsafety/slcyh_vietnam_pledge.wmv

Every 5 May - WHO, bringing people together to improve and sustain hand hygiene

Hand Hygiene on 5 May 2011 - Where do YOU stand on hand hygiene?

In 2011, WHO is promoting the use of the hand hygiene self assessment framework in hospitals. The framework allows hospitals to track their progress and plan their actions; and it aims to promote hand hygiene sustainability. Hand hygiene programmes can use the WHO Hand Hygiene Self Assessment Framework and tools in English or in Vietnamese.

Take action now; be part of this exciting global movement

  • The 2011 celebration on May 4th, supported by USAID, focus on the promotion of the self assessment framework
  • The framework can facilitate hand hygiene programs in hospitals to track their progress and plan their actions and it aims to hand hygiene sustainability.
  • Hand hygiene programs can benefit from using the WHO Hand Hygiene Self Assessment Framework and tools in English or in Vietnamese.

 
Representatives from hospitals signing the statement of commitment to support WHO Hand Hygiene Campaign


Hand Hygiene Information and Resources:

A comprehensive list of key tools and resources to support health-care facilities to prepare effective action plans to improve hand hygiene are now available for downloading at: http://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/tools/en/index.html


Clean hands protect against infection

Protect yourself

  • Clean your hands regularly.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly.
  • Use alcohol-based handrub if you don’t have immediate access to soap and water.

How do I wash my hands properly?

Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice, using the images below.