Abuja , Nigeria– The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reiterated the pivotal role of hand hygiene in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and curbing the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This was emphasized during an event marking the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day, held at Maitama District Hospital in Abuja.
Dr. Tochi Okwor, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the NCDC, described hand hygiene as a cornerstone of health security, underlining that decades of global research confirm it as the most effective method for preventing HAIs and limiting the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Speaking under this year’s global theme, “It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene,” Dr. Okwor warned against overreliance on gloves, noting that improper use—such as not changing gloves between patients or neglecting handwashing before and after use—can exacerbate infection risks.
She also spotlighted the NCDC’s national Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) initiative, “Turn Nigeria Orange,” which has driven significant transformation across the healthcare sector. Key achievements include the introduction of a national IPC policy and five-year strategic plan, allocation of a federal IPC budget line, and the certification of over 393 IPC professionals.
Further developments include a draft legal framework for IPC, establishment of technical working groups at both federal and state levels, and the rollout of surveillance systems for real-time detection of healthcare-associated infections.
Echoing the call for a renewed hand hygiene culture, Dr. Rita Idemudia, Medical Director of Maitama District Hospital, emphasized that over 60% of infectious diseases are preventable through proper hand hygiene. However, she expressed concern that the heightened awareness seen during the COVID-19 pandemic has waned in its aftermath.
Similarly, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), represented by Dr. Osayande Osagie, stressed the need for regular, unannounced audits in healthcare facilities. He also proposed the introduction of formal training programmes, such as diplomas in IPC, to institutionalize high standards of hygiene.
Chidinma Ibe, a representative from the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), highlighted the organization’s longstanding commitment to IPC since 2006. She detailed initiatives including regular hand hygiene training, audits, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions, which have strengthened both facility-level and national IPC efforts.
World Hand Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 5, serves as a global reminder of the critical role clean hands play in infection prevention and overall public health.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ May 5, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
