FORUM: "Keep Your hands clean.'' Global Handwashing Day 2025. Hand hygiene saves lives—but 2 Billions people still lack access at home To accelerate progress, the WorldBank supported WHO & UNICEF in launching global hand hygiene guidelines to help governments expand access & drive lasting change.
- In 2025, WHO celebrates 17 years of this global campaign.
- The 2025 SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign day coincides with the need for countries to rapidly consider implementation of the global action plan and monitoring framework on infection prevention and control (IPC) – supported by a guide to implementation – and the need to continue to improve IPC as demonstrated in the latest WHO IPC global report.
- One of the WHO indicators is hand hygiene compliance monitoring and feedback established as a key national indicator, at the very least in all reference hospitals by 2026.
- Additionally, the WHO Framework for Action 2024-2030 focused on WASH, waste and electricity services highlights the need for universal safe access to ensure quality of care (linked to climate and health), including by integrating WASH and waste requirements into health system planning, programming, financing, implementation and monitoring, which can in part be supported by IPC efforts.
- Therefore, it is recognized and reinforced that at this time countries and health care facilities should continue to highly prioritize optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments) alongside appropriate glove use, including through greater awareness and supported by IPC practitioners as part of an IPC team and programme.
Objectives
- Promote optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments) and the times for appropriate glove use within the health care workflow.
- Promote inclusion of hand hygiene within national IPC strategies, as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs) at facility level, according to the recommendations of the WHO global action plan and monitoring framework 2024-2030.
- Raise awareness of the environmental and climate impact of gloves on waste generation and management, especially when used unnecessarily.
EVENTS: On October 15th, a webinar will be held to mark the Global Handwashing Day 2025; The global advocacy campaign dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of handwashing as an effective way to prevent diseases and save lives. Register to participate!
Events in the regions
PUBLICATIONS: Guidelines on Hand Hygieme in Community settings.
ADVOCACY MATERIALS: Don't forget to use #handhygiene with your campaign related posts. Get the advocacy toolkit!
All assets: There is a wide range of campaign materials available in the six official UN languages ready for download.
Modifiable posters: Editable campaign material files can be accessed upon agreement with terms of use.
Healthy Schools, Healthy People, It's a SNAP
