As every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) is reminding us of the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare and beyond on 5 May 2025 - the date symbolizes the five fingers of our two hands. Under the new motto “It might be gloves. It's always hand hygiene.”, the aim is to raise awareness of the importance of hand hygiene and encourage everyone to play an active role [1].
Did you know that ...
Our hands enable us to come into contact with our environment. They treat, care for and promote healing, but also come into contact with a wide variety of pathogens and can therefore transmit infections. This is why hand hygiene is an indispensable part of infection prevention in healthcare facilities and one of the most important components in breaking chains of infection.
Good hand hygiene in healthcare - applied at the right moments - prevents nosocomial infections and thus saves millions of lives every year [5]. This is why hand hygiene concerns all employees in healthcare facilities. It is also a sign of respect for those who need help and rely on healthcare facilities and their professionals. Hand disinfection is undoubtedly one of the most important measures for preventing infection. But hand washing, skin care and protection and medical disposable gloves are just as important. It is important to note that the use of medical disposable gloves does not replace hand disinfection [4] and that there are many activities for which gloves do not need to be worn.
Under the motto “Hands up for World Hand Hygiene Day”, HARTMANN would like to draw particular attention this year to the importance of actively promoting hand hygiene. We are encouraging everyone to raise their hands symbolically and stand up for better hand hygiene. Whether in healthcare facilities, in the private sphere or in public - everyone can contribute to preventing the spread of pathogens and protecting health.
Sterillium® has revolutionized hand hygiene and has been providing effective and skin-friendly hand disinfection for 60 years. Since its introduction in 1965, Sterillium® has changed everyday life in the medical field and has become one of the most successful hand disinfectants worldwide, as Sterillium's good skin compatibility is an important compliance factor for users, in addition to its effectiveness [5,6]. Increasing willingness of medical staff to disinfect their hands also contributes to improved protection against infection [7]. The brand is continuously setting new standards in terms of efficacy and skin compatibility, which contributes to greater acceptance of hand hygiene. With equally innovative new products such as Sterillium® foam extra care and Sterillium® 2 in 1 wipes, the brand offers protection against pathogens - also in modern (pharmacy) versions.
To mark its 60th anniversary, Sterillium® is now presenting itself with a refreshed look and the new claim “Sterillium®. In safe hands.”
If you want to get actively involved in implementing good hand hygiene, you can do a lot even in small ways: share your knowledge, put up our posters linked below and celebrate World Hand Hygiene Day in your facilities as well as in your private environment and on social media.
Also use the hashtags #CleanHands, #HandsHygiene, #SafeLivesCleanYourHands, #MissionInfectionPrevention and mention @WHO.
Further information and all official WHO posters can be found here: World Hand Hygiene Day 2025Use disinfectants safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
