In commemoration of World Hand Hygiene Day 2025, the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Committee of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, held an enlightening event on Monday, May 5, 2025, with the theme “It Might Be Gloves, It’s Always Hand Hygiene.”
Held at the hospital’s Mini Auditorium, the event brought together healthcare professionals to underscore the vital role of hand hygiene in preventing infections both within and beyond hospital settings.
The Chief Medical Director, Professor John Okeniyi opened the event with a welcome address. He reiterated that gloves, though important, are not a replacement for proper hand hygiene. “This day serves as a powerful reminder of one of the simplest yet most effective measures in infection prevention: hand hygiene,” he said.
Highlighting recent strides made by the hospital administration, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) noted successful projects such as improved water supply through water reticulation, local production of lotions and detergents, and enhanced provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
The Chairman IPC Committee, Professor Aaron Aboderin urged all healthcare workers to prioritize hand hygiene as a fundamental responsibility to safeguard both patients and medical personnel.
The event featured two lectures: Mrs. Foluke Aramide, Deputy Director of Nursing Services and an IPC professional, spoke on “Best Practices in Hand Hygiene.” She discussed effective hand-washing techniques, appropriate sanitizer use, and the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards to curb hospital-acquired infections. Practical demonstration was made to explain best practices on hand hygiene which involved participants at the event.
Dr. Adewale Amupitan, a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and IPC expert, delivered the second lecture on “Best Practices for Glove Use in Healthcare Settings.” He emphasized that gloves should be used properly and not relied upon solely, especially when moving between patient interactions.
The event aligns with the global World Health Organization campaign promoting hand hygiene as a crucial and cost-effective measure for infection prevention and life-saving care. This year’s theme drives home the message that, regardless of glove use, proper hand hygiene remains indispensable in healthcare delivery.
