FIC Report (Edo State) – The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has joined healthcare institutions globally in observing World Hand Hygiene Day.
The event commenced with an awareness rally at the hospital’s TETFund and Twin Lecture Theatre, officially launched by UBTH officials, including the Chief Medical Director, Professor D.O. Obaseki. The aim was to emphasize the critical message: “It Might Be Gloves, It’s Always Hand Hygiene.”
In his welcoming remarks, Chief Medical Director Professor Obaseki Darlington stressed the paramount importance of hand hygiene. His central message, aligned with the theme, aimed to counter the misconception that gloves alone offer sufficient protection, asserting instead that hand hygiene is the foundational principle of infection prevention. He highlighted the direct link between effective hand hygiene and a reduction in Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Professor Obaseki further explained that handwashing with soap and running water is often superior to hand sanitizer.
He clarified this by stating that even with hand sanitizer, pathogens can remain if hands are not initially clean. He then addressed the role of leadership, emphasizing that as healthcare system leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that basic necessities for safe treatment are available to both staff and patients. This includes providing access to running water, soap (liquid or bar), and other essential supplies for proper hand hygiene. He concluded by reminding attendees that hands are a primary route for disease transmission, particularly through the hand-to-mouth path.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Tochi Okwor (Chair, National AMR Coordination Committee; Coordinator, IPC Programme NCDC), reiterated that the day’s theme, “It Might Be Gloves, It’s Always Hand Hygiene,” served as a powerful reminder that while gloves offer a layer of protection, they do not replace diligent hand cleaning. Dr. Tochi underscored that hands can become contaminated even when wearing gloves, and proper hand hygiene before and after glove use is crucial for breaking the chain of infection.
The mantra, “It might be gloves, but it’s always hand hygiene,” aims to dismantle the misconception that gloves alone provide an impenetrable barrier against germs. According to Dr. Okwor, “Gloves themselves can become contaminated, and they provide a barrier, which is undoubtedly important. However, relying solely on gloves without diligent hand hygiene practices before and after their use is like building a wall with a wide-open gate.”
Earlier, Dr. O. E. Obarisiagbon, of Public Health and Community Medicine CDC-UBTH, reaffirmed the importance of Hand Hygiene in the Era of Glove Use. She stated that while gloves are a necessary tool, they are not foolproof. Reaffirming that hand hygiene is not an alternative to wearing gloves but a necessary partner, Dr. Obarisiagbon emphasized that cleaning hands before donning gloves removes resident flora.
Healthcare workers were reminded that while gloves are essential barrier protection in many clinical situations, they do not eliminate the need for hand hygiene. Instances where gloves might be used, such as during procedures involving contact with blood or body fluids, were discussed alongside the critical requirement for hand hygiene before putting on and after taking off gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
Participants included UBTH officials, such as Chief Medical Director Professor D.O. Obaseki, Head of Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, CDC-UBTH, Dr. O. E. Obarisiagbon, Chief Environmental Health Official UBTH, Mrs. Osagioduwa Olotu, Chair of the National AMR Coordination Committee and Coordinator of the IPC Programme NCDC, Dr. Tochi Okwor, Registered General Nurse from NHS UK, Mrs. Edith Uwugiaren, Dr. Ephraim Ibadin, as well as Health workers, Medical Students, and Journalists.
UBTH’s World Hand Hygiene Day observance was a significant success, effectively reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to patient safety and infection prevention. The comprehensive approach, including educational sessions, practical demonstrations, and widespread public awareness campaigns, ensured that the vital message of “It Might Be Gloves, It’s Always Hand Hygiene” reached all areas of the institution. By prioritizing and promoting rigorous hand hygiene practices, UBTH continues to uphold its mission of providing quality healthcare in a safe and sterile environment for the benefit of its patients and the wider community.
In conclusion, it was reiterated that “Hand hygiene isn’t an optional add-on; it’s a fundamental pillar of personal and public health.” The hospital is committed to maintaining this focus beyond World Hand Hygiene Day, integrating these essential practices into the daily routine of everyone within its walls.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin City.
6/5/2025
