Washington, DC, May 5, 2025 (PAHO)-Hygiene hand hygiene is one of the most effective and profitable measures to prevent infections in medical care environments and to combat antimicrobial resistance. In World Hygiene DayThe Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) underlines that although medical gloves play a key role in the prevention of infections transmission, particularly in situations that imply a potential exposure to blood or body fluids, they are not a substitute for performing hands hygiene in appropriate times.
Observed every year on May 5, this year’s campaign is marked by the slogan «it could be gloves. It is always hand hygiene.» The message draws attention to the environmental impact of the unnecessary use of gloves and waste it generates. «For example, nitrile gloves, which were among the most used during pandemic, may take more than 400 years to decompose. This highlights the need for sustainable alternatives and the use of responsible gloves,» said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, director of Paho.
According to him Global Report on Prevention and Control of Infections 2024 Of the World Health Organization (WHO), 17 from 20 countries (85%) in the region of the Americas that participated in a 2023-2024 global survey have an active program for the prevention and control of national infections (CPI). With respect to compliance with the hygiene of the hands, 15 countries (75%) have designated it as a key national indicator, an increase of 62.5% in the period 2021-2022. However, the gaps persist in access to water, sanitation and hygiene services (Wash) in medical care facilities throughout the region.
«In the future, we must prioritize the hygiene of the hands in national strategies for the prevention and control of infections. By 2026, we hope that the monitoring of the hygiene of the hands is a key national indicator,» said Dr. Barbosa in a video message. «This objective is ambitious, but attainable, through the collective efforts of health personnel, political leaders and communities,» he added.
Global statistics reflect the magnitude of the challenge: on average, seven out of every 100 patients in high -income countries and 15 in low and medium -sized income countries will acquire at least one infection associated with health during their stay in acute care hospitals. Worldwide, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and WHO estimate that by 2050, these infections could cause almost 3.5 million deaths per year, 4.4 times more than HIV/AIDS deaths and sexually transmitted diseases combined in 2021.
The PAHO works with countries throughout the region to strengthen national CPI capacities. This includes promoting the minimum infrastructure standards and supporting the implementation of policies and programs that guarantee safe conditions for patients, health workers, family members and visitors. Performing hands at the right time, using the correct technique and at all levels of care is an action that saves lives, protects health personnel and helps reduce environmental pollution.
