"Hand Hygiene: What WHO Says"

Hand hygiene, a critical aspect of infection prevention and control, is a term widely recognized and defined by various global health organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other bodies have established guidelines and standards for hand hygiene to ensure its effectiveness and consistency worldwide. Let's delve into the definition and importance of hand hygiene according to these prominent organizations.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO, at the forefront of global health, defines hand hygiene as a "simple and effective way to prevent the spread of infection and illness." Their guidelines, published in the "WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care," emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

The WHO's five moments for hand hygiene, introduced in 2009, provide a comprehensive approach to hand hygiene practice:

• Before touching a patient
• Before clean/aseptic procedures
• After body fluid exposure/risk
• After touching a patient
• After touching patient surroundings

WHO's Six Steps of Hand Hygiene

The WHO also outlines a six-step process for hand hygiene, involving the use of alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water:

1. Wet your hands with water
2. Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces
3. Rub your hands palm to palm
4. Rub the backs of your hands with your palms
5. Interlace your fingers and rub palm to palm with your fingers interlaced
6. Rub your thumbs

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC, responsible for protecting public health in the United States, echoes the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections. Their guidelines, published in the "CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings," emphasize the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and soap and water for handwashing.

The CDC recommends performing hand hygiene:

• Before touching a patient
• Before performing an aseptic task
• After touching a patient
• After touching a patient's immediate surroundings
• After exposure to body fluids
• After touching inanimate objects in the vicinity of the patient

CDC's Four Steps of Hand Hygiene

The CDC's hand hygiene process involves four steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold)
2. Turn off the tap and apply soap
3. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water

Other Organizations

Other organizations, such as the World Medical Association and the International Society of Travel Medicine, also emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in their respective guidelines. They highlight the role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections in various settings, including healthcare, travel, and community environments.

Hand hygiene, as defined and promoted by these organizations, is a universal, evidence-based practice that saves lives and improves patient safety. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, healthcare professionals, travelers, and the general public can contribute to a cleaner, healthier world.