The Infection Control Unit at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, organized a celebration of Global Hand Hygiene Day, coinciding with the international event, under the slogan "Gloves only when indicated, hand hygiene always." This was held under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zein El-Abidin, President of the University; Prof. Dr. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Dr. Karim El-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty; and Prof. Dr. Walaa Hamed, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Dina Mohamed Irfan, Infection Control Consultant. The celebration included a range of activities aimed at raising health awareness among oral and dental healthcare workers about the importance of hand hygiene in maintaining patient safety and preventing the spread of infection to patients, staff, and the environment, as well as improving the quality of medical services provided to patients.
The event aimed to highlight the importance of effective hand hygiene adherence and the implementation of infection prevention and control measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections, including those that could develop into epidemics and pandemics, and antimicrobial-resistant infections, which are increasing in frequency, scope, and impact.
Hand hygiene saves millions of lives each year when performed at the right moments and in the correct way during healthcare delivery. Clean care protects both patients and healthcare workers.
The celebration included many interactive activities aimed at educating participants on the correct method of handwashing and disinfection, as well as the proper use of gloves and how to avoid common mistakes. There was also an awareness competition and distribution of symbolic gifts and hand sanitizers, with broad participation from faculty members, assistant staff, nursing staff, students, technicians, and administrators.