HC highlights hand hygiene as a vital preventive measure against infections
Campaign emphasizes the importance of this simple habit for maintaining health
In commemoration of World Hand Hygiene Day, celebrated on May 5, the
Gaspar Vianna Clinical Hospital (HC), in Belém, promotes a week of
educational and playful activities focused on the prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), formerly known as hospital infections.
The action integrates HC, the new Medical Outpatient Service, and the Monteiro Leite Hemodialysis Center, and highlights the global campaign of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the excessive and inappropriate use of gloves in the hospital environment.
HC's initiative aims to practically and symbolically reinforce the importance of proper adherence to hand hygiene by healthcare professionals. This year's campaign draws inspiration from football, particularly the traditional Re-Pa classic, merging sports passion with public health.
“We want healthcare professionals to be as committed to hand hygiene as they are to their favorite team,” explained infectious disease physician Nayara Chaves Maia, from the Hospital Infection Control Committee (CCIH) of the institution.
The infectious disease specialist emphasizes that hand hygiene is the simplest, most practical, and low-cost measure to prevent HAIs. “It reduces mortality, the length of hospital stay, antibiotic use, and hospital costs. When performed correctly at the five moments recommended by WHO, it is extremely effective in protecting both the patient and the professional,” highlights Dr. Nayara Maia.
The five moments of hand hygiene – The proper technique should be performed with 70% alcohol or soap and water, respecting the five essential moments defined by WHO: 1. Before contact with the patient; 2. Before performing aseptic procedures – both aimed at protecting the patient; 3. After the risk of exposure to body fluids; 4. After contact with the patient; 5. After contact with surfaces near the patient – the latter aim to protect the professional and the environment.
In previous years, HC conducted campaigns with themes related to Pará culture and environmental preservation. In 2025, the chosen theme was football, and more specifically, the Re-Pa, to create an emotional connection with professionals.
“Our greatest trophy is the health of the patient. The family members are the fans, the highlight goal is to wash hands at the right moment. And our opponents are the multidrug-resistant bacteria and HAIs,” compares Dr. Nayara Maia. According to her, the choice of playful themes aims to make the practice of hygiene a habit as significant as the love for football: “We want this to be ingrained in the professionals' imagination.”
High adherence – The doctor also celebrates the results achieved in recent years.
In 2024, the overall average adherence to hand hygiene at HC was 64%, with a goal of reaching 70%. “Closed units, such as ICUs, usually exceed the target. The Neonatal ICU, for example, was the champion, with adherence above 90%. Other units were above 80%,” informs Nayara. Open units – wards, outpatient clinics, and emergency – showed rates close to 40%, but the goal is to raise these numbers with constant reinforcement of educational actions.
In addition to the annual campaign, HC conducts regular training, technical visits, and monthly feedback with adherence data from each sector. “This work is continuous. The week of May 5 is just the moment to celebrate, reward, and inspire our professionals to maintain their commitment to life,” concluded Nayara.
Text by Kelly Barros / Ascom HC
