Health protection startswith hand hygiene: PHCC

Qatar Tribune

07-05-2025

Tribune News Network
Doha
On World Hand Hygiene Day, on May 5, 2025, under the slogan 'It Might Be Gloves. It's Always Hand Hygiene', the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health, is participating in the annual global campaign organised by the World Health Organization (WHO). The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene—regardless of glove use—as a fundamental measure to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
Dr Hamad Al Mudahka, executive director of the Preventive Health Directorate, emphasised the corporation's commitment to minimising the various risks that may arise in health centres, including the transmission of microbes, with hands being a primary vector for many infectious diseases. He noted that infections can be transmitted either directly or indirectly via contaminated surfaces. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 80 percent of infectious diseases are spread through touch, making hand hygiene the simplest and most effective method for preventing infections both in the community and healthcare settings.
We can protect ourselves and others by adopting healthy practices such as regular handwashing—especially after sneezing or coughing, before eating, and after using the restroom. It is also essential to avoid touching the face (mouth, nose, and eyes) with unclean hands, to use tissues when sneezing or coughing and dispose of them properly, and to disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phones and door handles. Educating children and others about the importance of hand hygiene and encouraging consistent practice is also vital.
When asked about the best methods for hand hygiene—soap or sanitiser—Dr Hamad Al Mudahka explained that washing hands with soap and water is most appropriate when hands are visibly dirty or after using the restroom, as it effectively removes dirt and microbes. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser, containing at least 70 percent alcohol, is also highly effective in killing most germs and viruses and serves as a practical alternative when soap and water are not available.
Dr Khalid Elawad, health protection manager, highlighted that hands are a primary vehicle for transmitting many infectious diseases, either directly—such as through handshakes—or indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces like elevator buttons, shopping carts, money, and door handles. Studies indicate that hands are responsible for transmitting up to 80 percent of viruses and bacteria. Just one touch of a contaminated surface followed by contact with the face—mouth, nose, or eyes—can lead to infection.
Dr Ahmed Hashem, IPAC Specialist at PHCC, emphasised that maintaining hand hygiene is not only an effective defence against the spread of serious infections, but also a simple action that can make a significant difference—particularly in healthcare settings, where patients are more vulnerable. Research indicates that enhancing hand hygiene practices can result in up to a 50 percent reduction in healthcare-associated infections. Through this campaign, PHCC aims to strengthen and embed hand hygiene habits, encouraging both the community and healthcare professionals to view infection prevention as a shared responsibility.
Dr Ahmed Hashem noted that PHCC has launched a series of awareness activities to mark the occasion, including lectures and educational workshops on the importance of hand hygiene, the distribution of brochures and flyers to staff and visitors, and the installation of awareness booths in health centres featuring educational content for patients and visitors.
PHCC reaffirmed that 'prevention begins with hand hygiene' and emphasised that this simple yet vital step represents the first line of defence against infection—a shared responsibility between healthcare professionals and the wider public.