Why are clean hands still important for governments?
Clean hands are crucial for public health and global health security. For governments, prioritizing hand hygiene is not just about preventing the spread of everyday illnesses; it is a strategic move to fortify a nation against disease outbreaks and rising global threats, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Hand hygiene behavior change provides a cost-effective solution – adequate programming would only cost 4.7% of the median health expenditure in the least developed countries and only 1% of a country’s annual aid receipts. Including hand hygiene in government plans and funding not only improves health but also boosts the economy by reducing the burden on health services and promoting high standards of care. Investing in hand hygiene ensures safe and effective healthcare, enhancing the quality of care and patient safety, and promotes wellbeing and resilience among communities.
Hand hygiene is incorporated in current Sustainable Development Goals. Many governments are committed to driving progress toward the sustainable development agenda. Addressing factors to attain high levels of hand hygiene practice can contribute to attaining multiple sustainable development targets, including targets around water and sanitation, nutrition, education, health, and economic growth. Integrating hand hygiene into health, education, and nutrition and child health programs is necessary not only to achieve these targets but to prevent infections and improve health and development outcomes overall.
Some governments are already making hand hygiene progress with tools like the Hand Hygiene Acceleration Framework Tool, which helps integrate hand hygiene into the national joint review process. This framework provides guidance and resources to incorporate sustainable hand hygiene practices at all levels, enhancing public health preparedness and integrating hygiene into broader agendas like health, education, and economic policies. The Hand Hygiene Costing Tool estimates the cost of improving hand hygiene in communities, aiding in budgeting and planning. These tools can support government leadership in developing costed hand hygiene roadmaps to implement and fulfill their hand hygiene commitments.
By prioritizing and budgeting for hand hygiene, governments can significantly enhance public health and economic stability. This commitment improves community well-being and strengthens long-term resilience and development. Such efforts demonstrate a government’s proactive approach to safeguarding its citizens’ health and future prosperity.