This World Hand Hygiene Day (5th May), we're proud to launch our very first Clinical Conversation – an informal and insightful discussion on a clinical topic, designed to spark curiosity and practical change in healthcare settings. 

In this first edition, IPS’ Jude Robinson and Kerry Holden delve into the complexities of hand hygiene, inspired by the WHO's powerful 2025 campaign message: "It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene." 

In the video, they unpack important issues surrounding glove use, environmental sustainability, behaviour change, and the power of media in shaping infection prevention practices. 

Watch the Full Clinical Conversation 

Watch our Previous Video about Glove Use

Why This Matters: WHO Key Messages for 2025 

• Medical gloves can get contaminated just like bare hands. They don’t provide 100% protection, so they must be used appropriately and removed when no longer needed – always followed by hand hygiene. 

• Hand hygiene is critical – with or without gloves. Monitoring and feedback on hand hygiene compliance should be a national priority by 2026. 

• Glove overuse leads to waste. Minimising unnecessary glove use can significantly reduce healthcare waste and its environmental impact. 

Find out more and download the WHO resources here.  

About World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 

This year marks 17 years of the WHO’s global SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign. The 2025 campaign emphasises urgent action to implement the global IPC action plan and to strengthen national hand hygiene programmes. 

It also aligns with the WHO Framework for Action 2024–2030 on WASH and waste services, highlighting the link between infection prevention, climate resilience, and quality care. 

Get Involved 

We encourage you to watch, reflect, and share this Clinical Conversation with your teams. Start your own conversations, challenge norms, and lead positive change in your healthcare setting. 

Don’t forget to tag us and share your own campaigns on social media – we’ll do our best to support and amplify your work.