Windhoek: The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) celebrated World Hand Hygiene Day under the theme ‘It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene’ in Windhoek on Thursday. Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, emphasized the significance of hand hygiene, stating its critical role both before and after contact.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Dr. Luvindao highlighted that the event is not just a celebration but a call to action. She pointed out that proper hand hygiene, when practiced consistently and correctly, is more than mere compliance; it is a demonstration of care, professionalism, and accountability.
Dr. Luvindao also mentioned significant progress in Namibia, noting a 74 percent improvement in hand hygiene compliance. The commemoration reinforces the country’s commitment to the World Health Organisation’s ‘5 Moments for Hand Hygiene’ as a clinical standard. This includes promoting rational glove use, strengthening national hand hygiene compliance, monitoring, and integrating hand hygiene into infection prevention and control, as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene strategies across all healthcare settings.
This year marks the 17th anniversary since the first commemoration of World Hand Hygiene Day.