The World Well being Group joined the Ministry of Well being (MoH) and companions to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD), reinforcing the important position of hand hygiene in stopping infections and making certain affected person security inside healthcare settings.
This 12 months’s theme “It could be gloves, it’s all the time hand hygiene” highlights the continuing want for correct hand hygiene practices—even when gloves are used.
Whereas gloves are important private protecting gear (PPE) for healthcare staff, their overuse can considerably contribute to healthcare waste. The message emphasizes acceptable glove use solely when indicated, and constant hand hygiene as an efficient and sustainable measure to scale back an infection and defend well being staff and sufferers.
Talking on the launch of the commemoration, Honorable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Well being, underscored Ghana’s dedication to prioritizing An infection Prevention and Management (IPC) by way of the Nationwide IPC Technique, which is aligned with the WHO International Motion Plan and Monitoring Framework for IPC 2024-2030. He famous the achievement of key milestones, together with the appointment of a Nationwide IPC focal particular person and the institution of the Nationwide IPC Committee, which coordinates implementation efforts.
“Hand hygiene is a straightforward, low-cost intervention that saves lives, reduces healthcare-associated infections and protects each sufferers and well being care suppliers”, stated Mr Akandoh.
Dr Sally-Ann Ohene, WHO’s Nation Preparedness and IHR Officer, talking on behalf of the WHO Consultant , emphasised the significance of WHO’s ‘My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene’—a framework guiding when healthcare staff ought to clear their arms:
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Earlier than touching a affected person
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Earlier than a clear or aseptic process
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After physique fluid publicity threat
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After touching a affected person
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After touching affected person environment
“These are important, life-saving actions that should be practiced on daily basis of the 12 months,” she famous.
Dr Serwah Amoah, a member of the Nationwide IPC Committee, offered on the IPC panorama in Ghana and referred to as for elevated funding in hand hygiene logistics in well being services to make sure compliance and adherence with nationwide requirements.
The occasion introduced collectively MoH Administrators, representatives of well being companies and growth companions, college students from well being coaching establishments, IPC champions, and media. In a sensible and symbolic act of management, the Minister of Well being demonstrated correct handwashing approach—incomes applause from members and reinforcing the significance of main by instance.
WHO supplied each technical and monetary help for the event of Ghana’s IPC technique, consistent with international requirements. The celebration of WHHD reaffirms the collective dedication to guard healthcare staff, sufferers, and communities by way of strengthened an infection prevention and management techniques.
For Extra Info or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Nation Workplace
E mail: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393