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Published: 30 April 2026

Why hand hygiene is relevant to everyone, every day

World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD) on Tuesday 5 May is an opportunity to highlight the importance of good hand hygiene in helping prevent the spread of infection.

We all have a role to play in infection prevention. We know that good hand hygiene remains the single most important, effective and least expensive way to reduce healthcare-associated infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Visit www.healthpromotion.ie to download or order ‘hand hygiene’ resources to support you in raising the awareness of good hand hygiene and any awareness raising initiatives you might host to mark WHHD.

Mandatory hand hygiene training

AMRIC’s Hand Hygiene training is available on the AMRIC hub at HSeLanD

This training is mandatory for all staff in the HSE and in HSE funded services. WHHD is an opportunity to remind staff to complete this training. While hand hygiene training has long been a key component of IPC policies in healthcare, the mandatory training is for all staff, clinical and non-clinical. It’s crucial that everyone understands the role they have to play in preventing infection and practicing good hand hygiene and IPC across all our health settings. This is especially important if visiting hospitals, nursing homes or residential care facilities, where people may already be unwell and more vulnerable to infections.

IPC information, training and guidance is readily available for healthcare workers. This is key to supporting a culture of good hand hygiene across all our services.

Access the World Hand Hygiene Day Partner Pack (PDF, 1.21MB, 8 pages)

Find more tips on hand hygiene