CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) is strengthening its hand hygiene campaign through the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Five Multimodal Strategy.
Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) Supervising Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Reden Galang said the campaign “Hands Up for Safety: Clean Hands Save Lives” focuses on building long-term habits among healthcare workers and communities.
The Five Multimodal Strategy includes five key actions: build it, teach it, check it, sell it, and live it, which are designed to improve hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings.
Under “build it,” facilities such as handwashing stations, soap, and alcohol dispensers were placed in strategic areas like ward entrances and elevator lobbies.
“Teach it” involves regular training for staff through seminars, caravans, and ward-based demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques.
To “check it,” the hospital monitors compliance through direct observation, alcohol consumption tracking, speedy audits, and UV light inspections that assess the quality of handwashing.
The “sell it” strategy uses posters, screen reminders, bells, and hygiene officers to promote consistent hand rub times during work hours.
“Live it” establishes a culture of safety by recognizing hand hygiene champions, organizing competitions, and educating patients and communities about the importance of clean hands.
“We want to ensure that everyone practices proper hand hygiene consistently because it is the simplest way to prevent infections and save lives,” Galang said.
As part of the campaign, employees received alcohol sprayers labeled “20 Seconds Save Lives” to reinforce the use of at least 60% alcohol for effective hand disinfection.
Furthermore, DOH CLCHD and JBLMGH continue to uphold WHO standards to reduce healthcare-associated infections and protect both patients and healthcare workers. (CLJD/MCAL, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija GIP)
