Australians are being urged to prioritise hand hygiene ahead of World Hand Hygiene Day, with a simple message: clean hands save lives. 

Marking the global awareness day on 5 May, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is reminding the public that good hand hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to prevent infection and stop the spread of illness. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says hand hygiene is a simple action everyone can take every day to protect themselves and others. 

“Something as simple as cleaning your hands at the right time can save lives,” Dr Martin says. 

“Good hand hygiene protects not only you, but your family and your community.” 

Dr Martin says good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of diarrhoeal disease, acute respiratory infections and other preventable illnesses, supporting healthier communities wherever people live, work and gather. 

“Whether you’re at home, at work or visiting a GP or hospital, hand hygiene is a simple step that helps keep people well,” he says. 

Australians are encouraged to: 

• wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• use hand sanitiser when washing isn’t available 
• clean hands before eating and after using the toilet 
• practise good hygiene when visiting healthcare settings. 

World Hand Hygiene Day is led globally by the World Health Organization and promotes simple actions that protect lives and strengthen health systems.