Northern Territory school kids will be asked to help produce the best music video clip as part of the Department of Health and Families (DHF) 'No Germs on Me' campaign.
The No Germs on Me campaign raises awareness of the importance of handwashing and hygiene in schools, at home and in the community to prevent the spread of diarrhoeal and respiratory illness.
NT schools have been given the 'No Germs on Me' theme song and kids have until September 8 to come up with a video clip to accompany it.
DHF Environmental Health Senior Policy Officer Natasha Clements says teachers and parents will also play an important role in the campaign.
"Leading by example in washing your hands is the best way to get the message across to kids.
"Illnesses such as Noroviruses and Rotaviruses can spread quickly through schools and cost Australians millions of dollars in lost time and medical expenses.
"By simply washing your hands, the incidence of diarrhoeal and respiratory illnesses can be reduced by as much as 50%," says Ms Clements.
The 'No Germs on Me' campaign song pushes the 'wash your hands' message to kids by appealing to the situations they find themselves in.
"Whether they're going to the bathroom or out in the garden playing with the dog, soap and water can make the difference between having fun and becoming really sick.
"It doesn't matter where you go or what you're doing�wash your hands regularly!" says Ms Clements.
The school that makes the best music video based on the 'No Germs on Me' song will win a $150 Bunnings voucher, a 2-page spread in the NT News and a plaque.
The winner will be announced at the formal launch of the campaign on September 23.
Visit http://nogermsonme.nt.gov.au for more information.
Media contact: Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Release date: 6 August 2008
