Washington, D.C., 5 May 2025 (PAHO) — Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and cost-efficient measures to prevent infections in health care settings and to combat antimicrobial resistance. On World Hand Hygiene Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) underscores that while medical gloves play a key role in preventing the transmission of infections—particularly in situations involving potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids—they are not a substitute for performing hand hygiene at the appropriate times.

Observed every year on 5 May, this year’s campaign is marked by the slogan “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene.” The message calls attention to the environmental impact of the unnecessary use of gloves and the waste this generates. “For example, nitrile gloves, which were among the most widely used during the pandemic, can take more than 400 years to decompose. This highlights the need for sustainable alternatives and responsible glove use,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director.

According to the Global Report on Infection Prevention and Control 2024 from the World Health Organization (WHO), 17 out of 20 countries (85%) in the Region of the Americas that participated in a 2023–2024 global survey have an active national infection prevention and control (IPC) program. With respect to hand hygiene compliance, 15 countries (75%) have designated it as a key national indicator, an increase from 62.5% in the 2021–2022 period. However, gaps persist in access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in health care facilities across the Region.