The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) joined the global community in commemorating World Hand Hygiene Day by promoting proper hand hygiene practices among staff and reinforcing the importance of infection prevention and control within healthcare settings.
Observed annually, World Hand Hygiene Day highlights the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing infections and saving lives. This year’s theme, “Action Saves Lives,” underscores the importance of consistent and effective hand hygiene practices in healthcare environments.
The IHVN Laboratory Department organized interactive demonstrations in the various departments within the organization. The activities featured practical sessions on proper handwashing techniques, and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light technology to assess hand cleanliness and provide staff with real-time feedback on their hygiene practices.
Participants actively took part in the demonstrations, asked questions, and gained practical knowledge applicable to their daily routines.
Speaking during the activity, IPC Prevention Lead, Manji Tyem emphasized the life-saving importance of proper hand hygiene.
“If you wash your hands well, it means you are saving lives. We need to break the chain of transmission of infections. Through this demonstration, we are assessing whether individuals know how to wash their hands properly,” she said.
IHVN Grants Assistant, Plangji Dabeng who participated in the activity described it as enlightening,
“I am glad we have been shown the proper way to wash our hands in order to protect ourselves and others from infections,” he said.
The event underscored IHVN’s continued commitment to promoting safe healthcare practices and safeguarding the well-being of both staff and patients through strengthened infection prevention and control measures.
