Which of the following is included in the World Health Organization's "five moments of hand hygiene"?

The inclusion of "before patient contact" in the World Health Organization's "five moments of hand hygiene" is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections. This moment emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene before engaging with patients to minimize the risk of transferring harmful pathogens to them.

By ensuring that hands are cleaned before any interaction with a patient, healthcare workers significantly reduce the likelihood of contaminating their hands with potential pathogens present in the environment or on surfaces. This practice is vital for safeguarding patient health and maintaining a sterile environment.

Other options, while important in general hygiene practices, do not specifically relate to the "five moments of hand hygiene" as defined by the WHO. "After eating," "before meals," and "after using the restroom" pertain to personal hygiene rather than the specific protocols for healthcare settings that focus on patient safety. The WHO's framework targets critical points in patient care where hand hygiene is particularly crucial for infection control.