A short note from Dr. Shoba Subramanian on World Hand Hygiene Day: 

hand-hygieneToday is World Hand Hygiene day, an annual reminder from the World Health Organization on the importance of handwashing to achieve better health and wellbeing for people of all ages. While handwashing might seem like such a simple step, it remains one of the most effective ways we can prevent the spread of viruses and diseases. After this past year, I’m sure that’s something everyone is keen to do.

This year’s theme for World Hand Hygiene day is ‘Achieving hand hygiene at the point of care’ – ensuring that hand washing takes place when patients, healthcare workers and their treatment come together. Proper hand washing in healthcare can save lives. The time you spend washing your hands can have huge health benefits, including helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. For a reminder on the most effective way to wash your hands, visit the World Health Organization website here. - Dr. Shoba Subramanian, Medical Director, Europe, UnitedHealthcare Global