On May 5, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), proudly joins the global community in observing World Hand Hygiene Day. This year’s theme, “It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene,” carries a vital message for all healthcare workers: although gloves are essential protective equipment in clinical settings, they do not replace the need for proper hand hygiene. Gloves can become contaminated just like bare hands, and without correct hand hygiene practices, the risk of spreading infections remains high.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that hand hygiene is one of the most basic yet effective measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). WHO also reminds us that gloves should be used appropriately and only when necessary, as overuse not only leads to waste but also contributes significantly to the global healthcare waste burden, impacting environmental sustainability. Therefore, reducing unnecessary glove use while strictly adhering to the WHO’s “My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” guidelines will benefit not only patients and healthcare workers but also the health of the environment.

 

At the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UPM, we are committed to strengthening hand hygiene practices through continuous education, implementation, and advocacy. We ensure that all students, lecturers, and staff receive adequate training on the importance of hand hygiene, including when to perform it even while wearing gloves. At the same time, we actively support efforts to introduce environmentally sustainable practices within healthcare settings, recognizing that tackling medical waste is essential without compromising patient safety.

 

We call upon all members of the faculty to reflect on their own hand hygiene practices and to remember that gloves are never a substitute for hand hygiene. Together, let us uphold the highest standards of infection prevention and become champions of environmental sustainability. Remember always, “It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene.” May we all play our part in supporting this vital global effort.