Tork strengthens hand hygiene initiatives for the healthcare sector during WHHD 2026

Tork, a brand of Essity and a global leader in professional hygiene, announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening hand hygiene practices in the healthcare sector as part of the 2026 World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD), promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The company said it will provide free training, customizable educational materials and professional hygiene products designed to support compliance with hygiene protocols in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The initiative aligns with the WHO annual campaign “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands,” whose 2026 theme is “Action saves lives.”

According to WHO data cited by the company, improving hand hygiene practices can reduce pathogen transmission in healthcare settings by up to 50%. However, even experienced healthcare professionals may face challenges in consistently following the WHO’s Five Moments for Hand Hygiene.

 

As part of the initiative, Tork is offering access to the Tork Clean Hands Training program, which teaches healthcare workers how to implement the WHO’s Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. The platform also includes a virtual reality version designed to provide an interactive learning experience.

The company also highlighted the Tork Healthy Hands tool, which enables healthcare facilities to create customized hand hygiene signage and reminders. According to the company, this type of visual communication can help increase patients’ and visitors’ perception of cleanliness and safety.

In addition, Tork professional hygiene products include certified easy-to-use dispensers and high-capacity formats designed to ensure continuous availability of soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels in critical healthcare areas.

Tom Bergin, Marketing Director for Health and Professional Hygiene at Essity, said that proper tools and training are essential to building a strong hand hygiene culture capable of protecting patients, healthcare workers and visitors.