World Hand Hygiene Day 2023: On May 5, we celebrate World Hand Hygiene Day. There are numerous fatal and hazardous diseases caused by microorganisms that exist everywhere. They are all attempting to enter us in some way, which could readily occur through our hands. The greatest defence against such microbial attacks is good hand hygiene. The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a campaign to raise awareness of the significance of hand hygiene in healthcare upon realising this.
HISTORY OF WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY
Infectious diseases have always afflicted our planet. Some scientists believe that microbes may have contributed to one of the main mass extinction events. We countermeasure one, and then another abruptly appears. This has existed since the inception of our society. Prior to the discovery of handwashing, bacteria and viruses had long danced over our bodies.
Handwashing was part of many religious and cultural practises. The connection between handwashing and the transmission of disease was not made until 1846. Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician who observed the correlation between hand hygiene and the transmission of disease. He observed that women giving birth in the maternity ward of his hospital were more likely to perish from fever than those in the adjacent ward. Midwives supervised the adjacent maternity ward. Semmelweis discovered that the physicians who frequented the maternity ward performed autopsies frequently and likely carried cadaverous particles on their hands. Midwives did not perform autopsies and their hands were sterile. As a result of Semmelweis’ introduction of chlorine-based handwashing, the mortality toll decreased dramatically. Nonetheless, this method did not catch on in the medical community.
In 1980, when a series of foodborne epidemics occurred, the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) realised the importance of handwashing. They began washing their hands. Everyone followed suit this time. The use of soap for handwashing has exploded in prevalence in recent years. Soaps made the practise economical and efficient.
HOW TO Observe International Hand Hygiene Day
Purchase a handwasher
Purchase a hand sanitizer and, if possible, donate several to your local non-governmental organisations working to promote hand hygiene. Any contribution or sponsorship is useful.
Send messages
Hand hygiene is crucial, and we are aware of this. However, there will always be those who question everything. Send communications emphasising the significance of handwashing.
Conduct lectures
Conduct hygiene classes for children in your community. Ensure that you emphasise the significance of hand hygiene.
Petite and Proud Day 2023: Date, History, Activities and Facts
5 FACTS ABOUT HAND GERMS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Life of a microbe
Some germs on your hands can survive for up to three hours, while others can survive even longer.
2 million microorganisms per fingertip
There will be more than two million bacteria and other microorganisms on our digits.
Fastest reproducers
A germ can proliferate so rapidly that its population can double within minutes.
Transmission of disease through the limbs
Approximately 80 percent of disease-causing bacteria are transmitted via our hands.
Superfast receivers
Wet hands transmit 1,000 times more pathogens than dry hands.
WHY WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY IS IMPORTANT
It’s a day for cleanliness
This is a day to promote the significance of hygiene in maintaining our health. Consider what you can do on this day to increase your knowledge of excellent hygiene.
It’s beneficial to awareness
Knowledge and awareness can transform lives. Contribute to bringing attention to this vital cause.
It can benefit health
A focus on sanitation will result in an improvement in overall health. We adore being health-conscious!
WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 5 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
