Wearing gloves not a substitute for hand washing – Health minister

 The wearing of gloves have become increasingly common in various settings, including healthcare, hospitality and even in public places as a perceived means of protection against germs and diseases.

However, the Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, at the com­memoration of the World Hand Hy­giene Day (WHHD) on Monday, he said wearing gloves was not a substitute for proper hand hygiene practices.

Although gloves were indispensable in clinical care, the Health Minister stated that hand washing was the safest and effective way to protect public health and prevent the spread of infections.

Mr Akandoh gave the reminder when Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD).

The day, which was celebrated on the theme: ‘It might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene,” is aimed at underscoring the importance of proper hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings over the reliance on gloves.

“Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost, yet extraordinary powerful intervention that saves lives, reduces healthcare-associated infections and protects both patients and healthcare providers,” Mr Akandoh explained.

He said consistent practice is es­sential- from both top administrator to frontline staff. He also called the public to adopt hand hygiene as a lifestyle.

“Importantly, we have set a bold target: by 2026, all regional and teaching hospitals in Ghana will rou­tinely monitor hand hygiene compli­ance and provide regular feedback as an integral part of their quality frameworks,” he added.

Mr Akandoh further indicated that the Ministry was committed to ensuring sustainable hand hygiene infrastructure across all public health facilities and support local production of affordable hygiene products.

He said his outfit will also promote waste management systems aligned with environmental sustainability principles and encourage health train­ing institutions to prioritise hygiene in their pre-ser­vice curricula.

Again, He called on Ghanaians and healthcare pro­viders to extend hygiene education beyond hospital walls into homes, schools and communities to nurture a lasting culture.

In a message delivered on be­half of the World Health Organisa­tion (WHO), the representative, Dr Fank Lule, said healthcare workers play a critical role in preventing the spread of pathogens and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) by adopting and practicing frequent hand hygiene as part of their routine work.

He also indicated that evidence suggests about 70 per cent of health care workers do not routinely prac­tice hand hygiene and yet studies have shown that practicing routine hand hygiene achieves a reduction in healthcare associated infections.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu