PAHO TV 56d ago

On World Hand Hygiene Day 2026, under the slogan “Hand hygiene: action saves lives,” the Pan American Health Organization highlights this simple yet highly effective practice—essential for protecting our health and the health of those around us. Every day, healthcare-associated infections continue to pose a serious threat in health care facilities. Beyond increasing antimicrobial resistance, these infections cause suffering for patients, families, and health workers; contribute to premature death and disability; increase health system costs; and undermine the delivery of quality care for all. Hand hygiene remains the most cost-effective intervention to prevent healthcare-associated infections. It protects both patients and health care workers.