Toy teams up with Lisbon's Oncology Institute for musical handwashing campaign

Portuguese singer Toy has joined forces with Lisbon’s Oncology Institute to encourage better hand hygiene. The campaign uses music to remind people how long they should wash their hands for proper cleanliness. The initiative pairs Toy’s popular song Coração Não Tem Idade (A Heart Has No Age) with handwashing advice. He adjusted the lyrics to stress washing ‘day and night’, reinforcing the habit. Health experts at IPO Lisboa suggest scrubbing hands for at least 30 to 40 seconds—about the length of humming a short tune.

IPO Lisboa also recommends washing hands between 8 to 15 times daily, depending on individual activities. The partnership aims to make hygiene routines more engaging and effective through familiar music.

The campaign blends entertainment with public health guidance. By timing handwashing to a song, people can meet the recommended duration more easily. The effort reflects ongoing work to improve hygiene practices in everyday life.