Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Limited celebrated Global Handwashing Day 2026 today, October 15th, with a nationwide campaign encouraging all Papua New Guineans to spend 20 seconds washing their hands for a healthier future.
In collaboration with the National Department of Health, Colgate -Palmolive’s Global Handwashing Day plays an important role in educating individuals about handwashing and how integral it is in preventing the spread of infections and diseases.
The main launch was celebrated at Butuka Academy in Port Moresby city this morning with the participation of over 500 students. The company confirmed that a total of 484,465 participants nationwide took part in the important event today.
Global Handwashing Day is a key annual event which ties into Colgate-Palmolive's Clean Hands Good Health (CHGH) Program, which has been an active program in Papua New Guinea since 2012. The program has positively impacted over 3.5 million adults & children across PNG.
The program places significant emphasis on the 4 essential handwashing times:
- After using the toilet
- After coughing or sneezing
- Before touching or preparing food
- After touching animals
And the 4 simple steps to washing hands:
- Use soap and water
- Scrub and rub hands for 20 seconds
- Rinse hands with clean water
- Dry hands with a clean towel
Speaking at the event, Colgate-Palmolive PNG General Manager, Mr. John Wood highlighted the importance of handwashing and its prevention of acquiring serious illnesses like Diarrhoea.
"Hand hygiene is an important component of our health and wellness and knowing how to properly wash your hands can reduce the risk of diseases and infections that are a danger to our wellbeing," Mr. Wood said.
With this year's theme, 'Be A Handwashing Hero', it is a callout to all individuals to step up and be a hero by prioritizing their health and keeping their hands clean, keeping themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.
Mr. wood urged students to take the message home to their families.
“If you’ve got little brothers and sisters and cousin brothers and sisters at home, you also tell them that they must wash their hands, and you tell Mum and Dad as well." Mr. Wood said.
He also called upon government houses and donors, businesses, suppliers, as well as communities, families, and individuals to practice regular handwashing to build healthy habits and maintain good health.
"The Global Handwashing Day Launch, here and around the country, is a testament to Colgate-Palmolive's commitment to improving public health and wellbeing through proper hand hygiene practices." Mr. Wood said.
He closed with a pledge from the students to become handwashing heroes not just today, but every day.
“Let's all 'Be a Handwashing Hero' and make a difference today on Global Handwashing Day,” Mr. Wood said.
The launch featured the Protex Mascot Handy, the purple octopus model entertaining students with the Clean Hands, Good Health message, and a demonstration of handwashing steps and handwashing by all students to commemorate the Global Handwashing Day 2026.