WINDHOEK, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Namibia on Thursday marked World Hand Hygiene Day with the launch of new national health guidelines aimed at improving patient care and reinforcing infection prevention practices.
Speaking at the event in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, Minister of Health and Social Services Esperance Luvindao said the country is committed to strengthening hand hygiene in both clinical and community settings as part of efforts to enhance healthcare delivery.
"Clean hands save lives. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and low-cost interventions for preventing the spread of infections," Luvindao said.
The newly launched tools aim to improve clinical audits, capture patient feedback, and standardize pediatric care across the health system.
According to Luvindao, these tools will support evidence-based treatment, improve service quality, and standardize pediatric care across the country.
Namibia's current hand hygiene compliance rate stands at 74 percent, which the minister described as "partially compliant," but called for more efforts to raise awareness and ensure adherence to the World Health Organization's "5 Moments for Hand Hygiene."
She said the experience gained during the Hepatitis E outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of consistent hand hygiene, safe water practices, and proper use of personal protective equipment.
World Hand Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 5, and the theme for this year is "It Might Be Gloves. It's Always Hand Hygiene." ■
