06/05/2026
JOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL MARKS WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY 2026
Written by Mary Dalhyel, edited by Bridget Omini
Photographed by Edward Joel
The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has joined the global community in commemorating World Hand Hygiene Day 2026, reinforcing the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing infections and safeguarding public health. Observed annually on May 5, World Hand Hygiene Day is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at promoting effective hand hygiene practices in healthcare settings and among the general public. The 2026 theme, “Action Saves Lives,” highlights the critical role of clean hands in reducing the spread of infections and improving patient safety.
Speaking during the event, Dr Naka Joseph Nababa, a Consultant Microbiologist representing the IPC committee Chairman JUTH, noted that World Hand Hygiene Day was established in 2009 and is now marking its 18th year of celebration. He explained that the initiative seeks to encourage prompt and proper hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers and to promote the inclusion of hand hygiene policies in national Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) frameworks.
Dr. Nababa emphasized that effective hand hygiene involves not only washing hands with soap and water but also the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially during patient care in hospitals and in public spaces.
Nurse Tina Jamberlang the focal person for the IPC unit, JUTH, called for the provision of adequate hand hygiene facilities within healthcare settings. The unit stressed the need to intensify awareness campaigns to promote hygiene practices across the hospital environment and beyond.
As part of activities marking the day, Dr Chidinma Onwudingo, IPC focal person of APIN Health Public Initiative Jos branch, presented hand hygiene facilities to the hospital management to support hand hygiene practices within the institution.
In his response, Dr Chungdung Miner, representing the hospital management, commended the IPC Unit and other departments for their dedication and commitment to observing World Hand Hygiene Day. He described the initiative as essential in creating awareness and promoting a culture of hygiene in healthcare settings and among the general public.
Dr. Miner assured that the hospital management would continue to support the provision of necessary facilities to enhance hand hygiene practices across the hospital.