Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Limited, in partnership with the National Department of Health recently launched ‘Global Handwashing Day’ on Friday 13th October, at the Salvation Army Boroko Primary school in Port Moresby where over 350 students and staff participated in the activities. This year’s theme was ‘Clean Hands Are Within Reach’ which saw over 306, 000 individuals wash their hands nationwide. Colgate-Palmolive told PNG Hausbung that washing hands helps to reduce the number of pathogens that causes diseases. “The simple act of cleaning hands saves lives and is one of the most important ways of reducing the spread of diarrheal diseases by 30% and acute respiratory infections by up to 20%. Furthermore, hand washing plays an important role in reducing the transmission of outbreak related pathogens such as cholera and COVID-19.” “Proper hand hygiene has also been linked to reduced school absenteeism and improvements in well-being, dignity, and overall productivity of individuals and communities.” Colgate-Palmolive’s school health program, Clean Hands Good Health (CHGH), has positively impacted over 2 million children since its introduction in 2012. “We encourage individuals, families and communities to work together to build healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs and diseases and maintain good health.” Meanwhile, Sunday October 15th also marked an annual international observance aimed at educating individuals of the importance of hand hygiene to everyone’s health.