Over 300 Kids from the South Bridges International School in Port Moresby city launched and celebrate Global Handwashing Day with the Colgate- Palmolive (PNG) Limited team this morning along with the rest of the schools in the country. The school's Principal, Mr. Noel Bolvar, reminded his students that having clean hands play an important role in personal hygiene and as such, washing hands after using the toilet, coughing or sneezing, before touching or preparing food, and after touching animals, is important. He thanked Colgate- Palmolive for the initiative and for coming out to the school for this significant day. “We are honoured to have Colgate- Palmolive, a founding member of the global handwashing partnership, supporting this event.” “Their commitment to promoting hand washing awareness and improving hygiene standards worldwide, is truly commendable.” “Together with South Bridges International School, we aim to educate and inspire our community to adopt better health hygiene practices.” This morning’s event saw activities and demonstration sessions, designed to highlight hand washing to reduce the transmission of diseases to enhancing health and property, like the 4 Simple Step to washing hands: · Use soap & water · Scrub and rub hands for 20 seconds · Rinse hands with clean water · Dry hands with a clean towel “Remember that clean hands play a vital role in our daily lives,” said Principal Bolvar. Meantime, Colgate- Palmolive General Manager, Mr. John Wood, said Colgate- Palmolive through its brand Protex, and in collaboration with the National Department of Health, is encouraging the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to take two minutes out of their day to wash their hands, and promote a healthier future for everyone. Global Handwashing Day serves as a platform to increase awareness about the essential role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections and diseases. He said with the inclusion of the students at South Bridges International School, more than 416, 000 students nationwide registered to participate today in marking Global Handwashing Day. The Clean Hands Good Health (CHGH) program, running since 2012, has positively impacted over 2 million children on the importance of hand washing and personal hygiene. Communities, families, and individuals are encouraged to practice regular hand washing to build healthy habits, reduce the spread of germs and diseases, and maintain good health.