The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Committee, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), led by the Chairman, Prof. Esohe O. Ogboghodo, on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, joined the global community in commemorating World Hand Hygiene Day 2026, with the theme: “Action Saves Lives.”
In her remarks, the Head of Department, Dr. O. E. Obarisiagbon, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of sustained commitment to infection prevention practices within healthcare settings.
A teaching session facilitated by Dr. Chinyere Nebe highlighted hand hygiene as one of the simplest, most effective, and cost-efficient measures for preventing infections and reducing healthcare-associated infections.
This was followed by a practical demonstration led by DDNS Irabor Philomina Omonsigho, who carefully demonstrated the correct steps of handwashing and the appropriate use of alcohol-based hand rubs.
The session was further reinforced with visual projections illustrating the key steps of effective hand hygiene, including palm-to-palm cleansing, interdigital spaces, thumbs, nails, and wrists.
The event also featured a quiz competition aimed at reinforcing participants’ knowledge of hand hygiene practices, with outstanding participants emerging as winners and receiving prizes.
The event recorded a strong turnout, with participants drawn from various UBTH schools, the University of Benin, Benson Idahosa University, and Igbinedion University, alongside members of staff and the wider UBTH community.
Also present was the Edo State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Eyo Nora, alongside other distinguished guests and healthcare professionals.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Queen Odinkemere, alongside other IPC committee members, coordinated the successful event, which recorded over 80 participants in attendance.
The IPC Committee and Management of UBTH sincerely thank the NCDC and the Turn Nigeria Orange Network for their valuable partnership, technical support, and contributions towards the success of the event, as well as their continued commitment to advancing infection prevention and control initiatives within the institution.
World Hand Hygiene Day serves as a reminder that clean hands save lives, and that simple, consistent actions play a vital role in protecting patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community.
This aligns with the UBTHCARES vision, which promotes a culture of quality care, patient safety, infection prevention, and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.
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