ID-CARE Team promotes awareness of infection prevention and control this World Hand Hygiene Day

Earlier this week, in recognition of World Hand Hygiene Day, members of the ID-CARE team set up an educational stall to promote to both the public and hospital staff the importance of hand hygiene and the correct use of gloves.

World Hand Hygiene Day, held each year on May 5th, is part of the World Health Organization’s global initiative “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands”, launched in 2009 to support healthcare workers and promote hand hygiene worldwide. The campaign aims to keep hand hygiene in the global spotlight and unite people in efforts to improve hygiene standards in healthcare. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) - with hand hygiene at its core - is essential to achieve universal health coverage, as it is a practical, evidence-based approach proven to enhance quality of care and patient safety at every level of the health system.

This year’s campaign focused specifically on the proper use of gloves in clinical settings. Staff, patients, and visitors were encouraged to participate in interactive activities designed to raise awareness about hand hygiene and glove practices.

Members of the Infectious Diseases team, joined the initiative across both Verona University Hospitals with Arianna Bellati, second-year resident at Borgo Roma Hospital, while Elena Cichellero, first-year resident, and Daniele Fasan, infectious diseases specialist, were at Borgo Trento Hospital.

In collaboration with the Hospital Medical Direction and the Hygiene and Microbiology Services, the team distributed educational materials and hosted interactive games to test participants’ knowledge on hand hygiene and glove use. To further demonstrate the importance of hygiene, medical devices, healthcare surfaces and badges from staff members were swabbed to reveal potential microbial growth - a practical demonstration that highlighted the risks of cross-contamination through healthcare workers’ hands and underscored the value of proper hygiene practices.

Find out more about the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign here.