Global Handwashing Day

The celebration focused on imparting essential personal hygiene practices through interactive methods such as play and song. Children worldwide are being encouraged to sing a familiar tune, like "Happy Birthday," twice while washing their hands—a technique proven to ensure sufficient time for the removal of germs and bacteria.

Proper hand washing technique was demonstrated to students, reiterating the message on basic hygiene with focus on non-pharmaceutical approaches in protecting oneself against infectious diseases.

The awareness and advocacy drive were facilitated by JICA PNG health sector officers. Utilising the simple handwashing cartoon titled, “Let’s Wash Hands Together”, an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) tool was drawn by a Japanese cartoonist, Inoue Kimidori, and translated into 34 languages around the world, including Tok Pisin.

Rikis said for handwashing to be effective, it must be practiced consistently at key times, such as after using the toilet or before contact with food.

Rikis educated the kids during a handwashing activity today in Port Moresby to mark Global Handwashing Day (GHD) which is celebrated on October 15 every year.

GHD is designed to support a global and local culture of handwashing with soap and raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap.

GHD is celebrated on October 15 every year however, SOPNG chose to have the kids commemorate the Day during its unified football finals today.

The Day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.

It is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Today’s activity was hosted by Water Aid.