In commemoration of this year’s World Hand Hygiene Day themed “Action Saves Lives,” the Infection Prevention and Control Committee of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, organised an impactful event featuring a keynote address, role play, practical demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques, and the re-inauguration of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Committee.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi, welcomed participants and emphasised the critical importance of hand hygiene. He highlighted various proper handwashing techniques and stressed the need for continuous education within the hospital community on pathogens and how infections spread.
According to him, infection prevention begins long before a patient becomes ill, spanning all stages of care from sample collection to laboratory analysis and appropriate antibiotic use. He noted that hands play a major role in communication and transmission, making proper hand hygiene a key factor in reducing antibiotic resistance and mortality rates.
Delivering the keynote address, Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and Infection Prevention Specialist, Dr. Adewale Amupitan, expressed appreciation to the hospital management for supporting the event. He described World Hand Hygiene Day as a vital reminder of the power of a simple yet often underestimated practice that continues to save millions of lives annually.
Dr. Amupitan noted that hand hygiene is a key indicator of safety and quality in healthcare delivery, with strong evidence linking good hand hygiene practices to reduced healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) rates. He emphasised that the 2026 theme serves both as a reminder and a challenge to translate knowledge into action.
“Action is the bridge between awareness and impact,” he stated. “Proper hand hygiene reduces infections, prevents outbreaks, and protects both patients and healthcare workers. It is not just a routine but a conscious decision each time you clean your hands, you are saving a life.”
A Deputy Director of Nursing Services and IPC Specialist, Mrs. Foluke Aramide, conducted a practical demonstration on effective hand hygiene. She explained that proper handwashing should take between 40 to 60 seconds using soap and water and outlined the essential steps required to ensure thorough cleaning and prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms.
As part of the event, Prof. Okeniyi re-inaugurated a 12-member Infection Prevention and Control Committee tasked with promoting and enforcing hygiene standards, investigating and managing infectious disease outbreaks, and monitoring the availability and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). He also urged the committee to prioritise regular staff training and orientation programmes.
