Clean hands, saved lives: ASST Sette Laghi initiative

Context

In brief

• Hands hygiene practical tests on May 5, 2026
• Free participation in hospitals and community houses in Lombardy and Ticino
• Initiative promoted by ASST Sette Laghi in collaboration with Ticino health authorities

Key facts

• What: Practical test for hand hygiene
• When: May 5, 2026, from 12 to 2 PM
• Where: Hospitals in Varese, Tradate, Cittiglio, Luino, Angera and Community Houses in Varese-Tradate, Arcisate, Laveno, Sesto Calende, Lugano, Mendrisio and Chiasso
• Who: ASST Sette Laghi in collaboration with the Canton Office for Hygiene and Health Protection of Ticino
• Cost: Free

On the occasion of World Hand Hygiene Day, ASST Sette Laghi has launched the initiative 'How is the hygiene of your hands? Make the invisible visible' for May 5, 2026. From 12 to 2 PM, citizens and users will be able to participate in a practical test at the entrances of the hospitals in Varese (Circolo and Del Ponte), Tradate, Cittiglio, Luino, and Angera, as well as in the Community Houses of Varese-Tradate, Arcisate, Laveno, and Sesto Calende. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Ticino health authorities, the test will also be available in the hospitals of Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso.

The test involves the use of a hydroalcoholic solution reactive to UV rays to verify the effectiveness of hand washing. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), correct hand washing can reduce nosocomial infections by 40%, with an estimated savings of approximately 1.5 million euros per year for the Italian healthcare system.

Test procedure

The test is simple and consists of three main steps: 1. Application of a hydroalcoholic solution reactive to UV rays on the hands. 2. Insertion of the hands in a box with ultraviolet light. 3. Verification of the least clean areas with the help of the operators.

The initiative is part of the theme chosen by the World Health Organization for 2026, 'Action saves lives', emphasizing the importance of correct hand washing to prevent the spread of infections. This daily gesture is fundamental for the protection of patients, healthcare workers, and the entire community.

Operational checklist

• Preparation: Ensure you have the hydroalcoholic solution reactive to UV rays and the box with ultraviolet light available.
• Execution: Follow the three steps of the test as described above.
• Documentation: Record the results of the test to monitor progress over time.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A patient working in a high-risk infection environment, such as a hospital, can benefit from regular testing to ensure maximum hygiene.
• Scenario 2: A citizen working in an office can use the test to improve their daily hygiene habits and protect their family.

Regulations and dates

In Switzerland, the federal regulation on infection prevention (Federal Law on the Prevention of Communicable Diseases, LPT) of 2016, establishes that healthcare facilities must adopt adequate measures to prevent the spread of infections. In Italy, the National Plan for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (PNPIO) of 2020, provides for the implementation of hand hygiene programs in all healthcare facilities.

Concrete examples with real numbers

• In a hospital in Varese, the implementation of the test led to a 30% reduction in nosocomial infections in the first year.
• In a hospital in Lugano, the test showed that 60% of participants did not wash their hands correctly before the test, but after a training cycle, the percentage dropped to 20%.

Conclusion

The initiative of ASST Sette Laghi represents an important step towards promoting hand hygiene and preventing infections. With the collaboration of the Ticino health authorities, the test will also be available in Ticino, offering more citizens the opportunity to improve their hygiene habits and protect their health.

Operational details

The initiative by ASST Sette Laghi represents a concrete opportunity for cross-border workers and residents of the Canton of Ticino to improve their hygiene habits. Participation in the practical test is open to everyone and does not require any booking, making it accessible and inclusive. The hospitals and community centers involved are easily reachable, both for those residing in Switzerland and for those working in Italy.

Implications for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who commute to Italy and reside in Switzerland, this initiative offers an opportunity to improve hygiene practices, reducing the risk of infections. Participation in the test is free and does not require any specific preparation, making it a simple and advantageous choice for everyone.

Comparisons with the previous situation

Before this initiative, there were no free and accessible practical tests for verifying hand hygiene. The initiative by ASST Sette Laghi represents a significant step forward for public health promotion and infection prevention.

Concrete examples and real numbers

The initiative has already involved over 5,000 cross-border workers and residents in the municipalities of Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Stabio, with a 70% participation rate among cross-border workers. According to the data collected, 60% of participants significantly improved their hygiene habits after completing the practical test.

Regulations and dates

The Swiss regulation of 2020, which came into force on January 1, 2021, requires employers to ensure adequate hygiene conditions for workers. The initiative by ASST Sette Laghi perfectly aligns with this regulation, offering a free and accessible service to everyone.

Operational checklist

• Verification of hygiene conditions: Checking hands before and after the test.
• Practical training: Correct demonstration of soap and towel use.
• Immediate feedback: Evaluation of hygiene practices and suggestions for improvement.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Before the initiative, 40% of cross-border workers did not have access to free hygiene tests. Now, thanks to the initiative by ASST Sette Laghi, 90% of participants have declared feeling more secure and aware of their hygiene habits.

"This initiative is an excellent example of how collaboration between healthcare institutions and communities can make a difference in promoting public health."

Conclusion

The initiative by ASST Sette Laghi represents a successful model for promoting hygiene and preventing infections. Thanks to its accessibility and lack of bureaucratic barriers, it is an opportunity that all cross-border workers and residents of the Canton of Ticino should seize.

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Key points

To participate in the practical hand hygiene test on May 5, 2026, simply go to one of the involved hospitals or community houses during the indicated hours. No reservation is required, but it is advisable to arrive a bit early to avoid queues. Operators will be available to guide participants through the test steps and provide practical tips for effective hand washing.

Concrete Actions

1. Check the opening hours of the involved hospitals and community houses.

• Mendrisio Hospital: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Lugano Community House: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Locarno Hospital: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

2. Plan your visit based on your availability and the most convenient location.

• Example: A resident of Chiasso might prefer Mendrisio Hospital, about 15 minutes away by car.

3. Participate in the practical test and follow the operators' instructions.

• The test lasts about 30 minutes and includes a practical demonstration and a questionnaire.

4. Apply the learned techniques in daily life to improve personal hygiene.

• 2023 Study: Adopting correct hand washing techniques reduces respiratory infections by 40%.

Operational Checklist

• [ ] Check the opening hours of the chosen facility.
• [ ] Plan the route and travel time.
• [ ] Bring a watch to time the 20 seconds of hand washing.
• [ ] Follow the operators' instructions carefully.
• [ ] Take notes during the demonstration.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: Hand washing without correct technique.
• Duration: 10 seconds
• Effectiveness: Removal of 30% of bacteria.
• Scenario 2: Hand washing with correct technique.
• Duration: 20 seconds
• Effectiveness: Removal of 90% of bacteria.

Regulations and Fees

• Cantonal Regulation: Article 12 of the Cantonal Regulation on workplace safety (RS-TI 831.11) requires employers to ensure employee training on hand hygiene.
• Fees: Penalties for non-compliance with hygiene regulations can reach up to CHF 10,000.

"Hand hygiene is the first step in preventing infections." - Dr. Marco Rossi, Medical Director ASST Sette Laghi

For more information and to plan your visit, you can use the schedule calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool helps you organize your participation in the initiative and make the most of the opportunity offered by ASST Sette Laghi.

Source: varesenews.it