The Department of Public Health, together with students from IFMSA, organized the 6th annual Hand Hygiene Day event on the campus of Masaryk University's Faculty of Medicine. Participants tried out the proper technique for hand disinfection and the use of gloves. This year's event reminded us that even when gloves are used, hand hygiene remains essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
On May 5, 2025, the 6th annual preventive education event "Hand Hygiene Day at the Faculty of Medicine" took place at the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University on the occasion of International Hand Hygiene Day, which is announced every year by the World Health Organization (WHO). This event, organized by the Department of Public Health in cooperation with students from IFMSA, was intended for all visitors to the university campus.
The main goal was to raise awareness of proper hand hygiene and the use of gloves in healthcare. Participants could try out hand disinfection techniques under a UV lamp and take part in a quiz on hand hygiene. For correct procedures and answers, they received small gifts from Hartmann, a traditional partner of the event.
There were also popular themed sweet treats – cookie hands made from shortbread dough, which participants could only pick up while wearing gloves to practice putting them on and taking them off correctly.
The motto of this year's WHO campaign was "It might be gloves. It's always hand hygiene." The campaign emphasized that wearing gloves is no substitute for proper hand hygiene. Gloves can become contaminated just as easily as bare hands, and their incorrect use or use in the wrong situations can contribute to the spread of infections and unnecessary waste in healthcare.
This event was part of the WHO's global initiative "SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands," which has been promoting improved hand hygiene in healthcare facilities since 2009. Proper hand hygiene is a key measure for preventing healthcare-associated infections and protecting patients and healthcare workers.
We would like to thank all students and partners who participated in organizing the event and look forward to further cooperation in raising awareness of the importance of hand hygiene.
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