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Te Pū rauemi KOWHEORI-19 COVID-19 resource hub

Support for people working in health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find information about how you can support yourselves and others, including consumers, teams and colleagues which complements and aligns with Ministry of Health resources.

Kia āta kōwhiri Choosing Wisely

The Choosing Wisely campaign seeks to reduce harm from unnecessary and low-value tests and treatment.

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Global Handwashing Day 2024

Infection prevention and control
07 October 2024

The 15th of October is Global Handwashing Day: a global day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing with soap and water as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Global Handwashing Day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap and water at critical times.  

This year’s theme is ‘Why are clean hands still important?’ The answer lies in our collective responsibility to safeguard public health, prevent infections, and promote wellbeing.

Clean hands remain a fundamental defence against the spread of infections, illnesses, and harmful germs. Whether in hospitals, schools, or everyday interactions, practicing handwashing with soap and water contributes to better health outcomes and a safer world for everyone. As the world shifts beyond these recent years, we are asking a critical question:  Why are clean hands still important to you?

The Global Handwashing Partnership has resources available. A fact sheet and infographic telling you why handwashing is so important and templates you could share to why clean hands are important to you. Go to the Global Handwashing website for more information.

Hand washing poster are also available on our website. Click on this link to place orders - Hand hygiene posters – select Resource Catalogue and then Hand hygiene resources.