In line with the Sustainable Development Goal on access to quality education provision of school health service is vital since a healthy child performs better in school. The health of school going children are among the priority areas in the Essential Package for health. .The focus is on ensuring: health promotion,, conservation, protection and correction of abnormalities of the school going children. one of the objectives of the program is bring up citizens who are educated in good health habits

1. SCHOOL HEALTH
SERVICES

2. CONTENT
• Aims of school health
• Objectives of school health
• Needs of a school going child
• School health committee
• Activities during school health
Florence F.A.Obonyo Hawa
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3. WHAT IS SCHOOL HEALTH ?
School health focuses on ensuring:
 health promotion,
conservation,
 protection
and correction of abnormalities of the school going children.
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4. POLICY
• The Kenya national school health strategy( 2011 to 2015) outlines critical issues on the link
between health and education that are vital towards the improvement of child health while
in school.
• The health of school going children are among the priority areas in the Kenya Health
Sector Strategic And Investment Plan (KHSSP) July 2014 – June 2018 as it focuses on
primary health care and immunizations to include malaria, tuberculosis , hygiene and
sanitation
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5. AIM OF SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
• To improve the health of all children in school leading to
safer and healthier lives for a better world in line with the
sustainable development goals 2, 3 and 4
The constitution of Kenya states that every child has a right
to
• basic nutrition ( SDG 2)
• and health care( SDG 3)
• basic education (SDG 4 )
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6. OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
 To promote positive health among the students and staff
 To bring up citizens who are educated in good health habits eg proper
handwashing
 To improve the health of the community by using the child as a channel for
health messages
 Prevention of disease
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7. ? WHAT ARE THE NEEDS OF A SCHOOL
GOING CHILD
 A stable home
Good nutrition
Freedom from fatigue
clean and tidy clothing
Good sight, hearing and speech
Early detection of disabilities and
referral
Freedom from infection(they
should be immunized and
treated if unwell)
Pure and safe water
Proper sanitation
Clean buildings and environment
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8. THEMATIC AREAS IN SCHOOL HEALTH
Values and life skills -empower the child to develop adaptive and positive behaviors
Gender issues – elimination of gender disparities during enrollment, and other activities
Gender based violence victims should be counseled and reports made to relevant
offices
 Child rights – play and leisure activities should be budgeted for. Playgrounds must be
available
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9. THEMATIC AREAS IN SCHOOL HEALTH
 Water, sanitation and hygiene –clean adequate toilet facilities with running water
and Taps with fresh treated water for drinking should be available.
child protection and responsibilities- orphans ,and vulnerable children need
protection. Sensitize the community on child protection legislation
 Special needs, disability and rehabilitation- ramps and other reading and hearing
aids should be availed to ease teaching and learning
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10. THEMATIC AREAS
Disease prevention and control
 School infrastructure and environmental safety – the buildings , furniture and
equipment must be in good condition to prevent accidents
Nutrition- the administration can organize for hot , affordable meals within the
school
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11. ORGANIZING A SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
The sub county health team should asses the health needs of the schools within
their catchment area on a regular basis .(use clinic and school records)
Establish practical goals for the school population.
Carry out the activities( share health messages and promote nutrtion, personal
and environmental hygiene)
Evaluate the process and results of the program
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12. MEMBERS OF A SCHOOL HEALTH COMMITTEE
• Members of the health team eg Nurse, Nutritionist, Clinician, Public health officer
• head teacher and teachers,
• pupils/students.
• parents, community leaders eg chief, village elders, representative of special
groups such as people living with disabilities
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13. ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING SCHOOL
HEALTH
 This is a mobile outreach activity
Carrying out observations of vitals signs, screening for Tuberculosis and skin
conditions, physical examination, epidemiological investigations
Giving emergency services and care of continuing illness
Get written consent from parents for mass deworming or vaccinations
Counselling victims of physical, emotional and substance abuse
Contributing to the development of school curriculum in health related matters
Referral for needy cases
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14. • The school environment must create an enabling atmosphere for social, cultural
and emotional wellbeing that promotes a healthy child friendly school
• An ideal school environment should ensure access to education, Retention of
information. quality and equity in education
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This Photo by Unknown Author is
licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

15. REFERENCES
• Republic of Kenya National School Health Strategic Plan
• Republic of Kenya National School Health Strategy Implementation Plan 2011-2015
• Transforming health: accelerating attainment of universal health coverage Kenya
Health Sector Strategic And Investment Plan (KHSSP) July 2014 – June 2018
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