The World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD) and World Antimicrobial Resistance Week (WAAW) programs are celebrated annually on 5th May and 18th–24th November, respectively. This year, the Infection Control Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Microbiology and Department of Pharmacy, organised the Hand Hygiene and AMR Awareness 2025 at HSAAS UPM on 3rd December 2025.

The programme commenced with welcoming remarks by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Intan Hakimah Ismail, Deputy Dean (Academic, Medicine), and was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aneesa Abdul Rashid, Deputy Director Clinical (Medicine). Highlights included a keynote address by Dr. Narinderjeet Kaur Dadar Singh, Technical Officer (Epidemiology), WHO Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, and a performance of “Anugerah Istimewa”, composed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faudzi Musib and sung by Ms. Janelle Lee Sze Ean from the Department of Music, Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM.

A research MOA exchange between UPM and Ophardt Hygiene-Technik GmbH, initiated by the Infection Control Unit with collaboration of the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Department of Medicine, focused on innovation in hand hygiene data collection and analysis, was successfully conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Intan Hakimah Ismail and Ms. Vianne Soo, Regional Commercial Director, Ophardt Hygiene-Technik GmbH.

The Hand Hygiene Excellence Awards were presented to three departments achieving excellent compliance levels, which were Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Department of Orthopaedic and Department of Surgery and to three healthcare workers in recognition of their commitment to supporting IPC at HSAAS UPM, Mr (Dr) Fahrudin Che Hamzah, SN Munirah Osman and SN Norazila Maseron.

The programme also featured a session by Datin Dr. Masdiana Sulaiman, Head of Innovation and Metaverse, CelcomDigi Berhad on advancing innovation in healthcare, sharing session by Mrs Rina Eryssha Mohd Yazah, Senior Professional Medical Specialist, Novo Nordisk and a forum titled “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future – Advancing Clinical Responsibility and Sustainability”. The forum, moderated by Dr. Steven Lee Chi Fai, featured Dr. Nor Farah Bakhtiar (IPC and AMR Focal Point, MOH Malaysia), Dr. Zurina Zainudin (Head of Paediatrics and Consultant in Neonatology), and Dr. Fahrudin Che Hamzah (Head of Orthopaedics), who discussed current IPC and AMR issues at both the national level and within HSAAS UPM.

The programme included booths by collaborative and strategic partners, including MyOHUN, CelcomDigi, Ophardt Hygiene-Technik GmbH, Saraya Goodmaid, Steriline, Alchemy, and Nur Jaya Medic Sdn Bhd, showcasing innovations, products, and services supporting IPC and AMR awareness. Additionally, the Department of Pharmacy and the Infection Control Unit hosted awareness booths featuring interactive games to engage participants and promote understanding of hand hygiene and AMR, providing a fun, hands-on learning experience.

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Overall, this year’s programme was highly engaging, providing significant educational and professional value to participants while promoting clinical responsibility, innovation, and sustainability in IPC and AMR practices.

Disclaimer: This document is prepared in the English language.

Tarikh Input: 24/12/2025 | Kemaskini: 30/12/2025 | famezan