World Hand Hygiene Day
May 5, 2026 Recurs yearly
Find specific campaign dates, ribbons, national and international observances.
May 5, 2026 Recurs yearly
World Hand Hygiene Day is the annual global observance held every 5 May as the flagship event of the WHO's SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign. The day raises worldwide awareness of the critical role that proper hand hygiene plays in preventing healthcare-associated infections, improving patient safety, protecting healthcare workers, and strengthening infection prevention and control. Healthcare facilities and organizations around the world mark the day through educational events, training sessions, public awareness activities, and renewed commitments to clean care.
Marking the 18th year of WHO's campaign, the 2026 theme highlights the urgent need for immediate and sustained action to prevent healthcare-associated infections through proper hand hygiene. The observance calls on healthcare workers, facility leaders, policymakers, and governments to improve hand hygiene practices, establish compliance monitoring and feedback systems, ensure reliable access to water, soap, and alcohol-based hand rubs, and integrate hand hygiene into national infection prevention strategies. Its central message is that every timely hand hygiene action contributes to safer healthcare and saves lives.
Find specific campaign dates, ribbons, national and international observances.
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