DH reminds public that "Clean Hands Bring Health" in support of World Hand Hygiene Day
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"Hand hygiene is a highly cost-effective public health measure. International studies show that keeping hands clean can not only prevent the transmission of up to 80 per cent of drug-resistant bacteria (pathogenic bacteria) in hospitals, but also prevent approximately 30 per cent of diarrhoea-related illnesses and about 20 per cent of respiratory infections. Therefore, developing good hand hygiene habits is the simplest way to stay healthy. Under the slogan 'Clean Hands Bring Health' (see Annex 1: Promotional poster), the CHP's campaign this year will feature a step-by-step flowchart and reminder stickers on hand hygiene, or promotional videos at over 2 200 locations throughout Hong Kong, including public and private hospitals, government clinics, District Health Centres, residential care homes for the elderly, elderly service units under the Social Welfare Department (SWD), public markets, and cooked food markets. In addition, the CHP has specially created handwashing WhatsApp stickers (see Annex 2: QR code) for the public to download free of charge, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of handwashing," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
The WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund released the first global Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Community Settings last year. The document outlined that implementing effective hand hygiene in community is crucial. Dr Tsui noted that the Guidelines are fully aligned with the CHP's ongoing work. The CHP has consistently strengthened public awareness of hand hygiene through multifaceted publicity and education efforts, such as setting up a thematic website and producing posters and videos on hand hygiene, to enhance public awareness on hand hygiene. The CHP also collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the SWD, to build a hand hygiene-friendly environment and disseminate health messages about hand hygiene to the community, building upon the provision of hand hygiene facilities by these institutions.
The CHP urged healthcare professionals and the public to recognise the importance of hand hygiene, the appropriate times to practice it, and the correct steps involved, and to establish the habit of washing hands at the right times. This is aimed at building a healthy community and safeguarding public health, particularly that of the elderly, young children, and high-risk groups.
Members of the public should clean their hands appropriately according to the situation: if hands are visibly dirty, they should be washed with liquid soap and water; if hands are not visibly dirty, use 70-80 per cent alcohol-based handrub. When washing hands, follow the seven steps of hand hygiene: thoroughly rubbing the palms, backs of hands, finger webs, backs of fingers, thumbs, fingertips, and wrists for at least 20 seconds to ensure thorough cleaning.
In addition, members of the public should clean their hands promptly at the following moments to prevent the spread of causative agents:
- Before and after touching one's eyes, nose, or mouth;
- Before eating or preparing food;
- After using the toilet;
- After hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions (such as after coughing or sneezing);
- After changing diapers for children or the sick, or handling soiled items;
- After touching animals, poultry, or their droppings;
- After handling garbage;
- After touching public installations or equipment (such as escalator handrails, elevator buttons, or door handles);
- Before and after visiting hospitals, residential care homes, or caring for the sick; and
- Whenever hands are visibly dirty.
Members of the public may view hand hygiene videos by visiting "Epidemic Prevention Clinic - Hand Hygiene" at www.youtube.com/watch?v=olE4gaBNX8M and "Clean your hands Prevent infection" at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5Iq2k6O3AY. For more information and resources on hand hygiene, please visit the CHP's dedicated website or social media page.
Ends/Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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