WHO issues hand hygiene instructions

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a new poster detailing proper hand hygiene procedures. The guidelines emphasize the importance of washing hands when visibly soiled and recommend using hand sanitizer in other instances.

The poster outlines a step-by-step process for hand disinfection using an adequate amount of product. The entire procedure, covering all surfaces of the hands, is intended to take 20-30 seconds. It includes methods such as rubbing palms together, interlacing fingers, and rotating thumbs.

The material aims to promote patient safety and prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings and general daily life. WHO developed this resource in collaboration with the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG).

WHO notes that while the published material has been carefully verified, the interpretation and use of the information lie with the reader. The organization will not be liable for damages arising from its use.