[Date of last update: Aprile 2022]

Effective hand hygiene is the main measure to prevent Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs) and to limit the spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms within healthcare facilities [1], but it is also a key measure against COVID-19 [2].

According to data published by WHO, about 10% of patients admitted to acute care facilities develop a HAI while in hospital. [3,4], which complicates the treatment process, prolonging hospitalization, increasing costs and mortality. In Italy, it is estimated that 5-8% of hospitalized patients contract a hospital infection [5]. 

Adherence to hand hygiene practices is extremely low within health facilities. According to the WHO it is around 40%, and the technique does not always comply with the recommendations. [1] 
The Sars-Cov-2 pandemic has partially changed this scenario, increasing the attention given to appropriate hand hygiene practices, which have proved to be a valid method of fighting this virus.  Hand hygiene has, therefore, gained global recognition from policy makers, healthcare managers, healthcare professionals and the general public as a cornerstone in infection prevention [6]. 

In May 2004, during the 57th World Health Assembly, an International Alliance for the Promotion of Patient Safety was formed.  In October of the same year, the first Global Patient Safety Challenge, which had HAIs as its main theme, was launched. A crucial action was represented by Hand Hygiene in health care: “Clean care is safe care”. This challenge made available the Guidelines and tools for the implementation and promotion of this practice, according to a multimodal strategy. 

Every year on 5 May, on the World Day of Hand Hygiene, the WHO organizes a specific awareness campaign on the subject. 
The 2022 slogan: "Unite for safety: clean your hands!", focuses on improving the culture of safety and quality in healthcare facilities through the practice of hand hygiene, a fundamental act in the Infection prevention and control. (Source WHO  and Ministry of Health website)