THE Media Initiative on School Health (MISH) says the funding and implementation of the School Health Programme has benefited over 1.5 million learners across the country.
In a statement, Tuesday, MISH Chairperson Jackson Sitengu commended the ministries of health, education and other stakeholders for the initiative.
He said so far, the programme had trained and empowered over 5,000 teachers to manage minor health cases and promote wellness in schools.
“The Media Initiative on School Health (MISH) extends its gratitude to the Ministries of Health and Education, as well as key stakeholders such as Healthy Learners, for their commitment to funding and implementing the School Health Program (SHP). This transformative initiative has already benefited over 1.5 million learners in approximately 700 schools across the country. MISH firmly believes that the School Health Programme is a progressive initiative poised to positively impact Zambia’s education system. With education being a critical tool for poverty eradication and national development, investing in the health of learners is a strategic step toward a brighter future,” Sitengu said.
“So far, the School Health Programme has successfully trained and empowered over 5,000 teachers to manage minor health cases and promote wellness in schools. The program has expanded nationwide, currently operating in all 10 provinces and 30 districts, significantly enhancing school-based health services. As part of its first phase, 595 health rooms have been established, with plans to construct 2,500 health rooms across 70 districts and recruiting 15,000 school health teachers by 2028. This expansion is expected to benefit over 3 million learners, contributing to both infrastructure development and improved school health services”.
He encouraged Zambians to support the initiative, which provides schools with comprehensive health services.
“We encourage Zambians from all walks of life to support this initiative, which provides schools with comprehensive health services, including solar-powered health rooms, essential medication, digitized clinical technology, sanitary towels, and furniture. Additionally, the initiative has strengthened linkages between schools and health facilities, ensuring fast-track referrals and technical support. This has led to reduced illness-related absenteeism, decongested clinics and hospitals, and improved health and academic performance among learners,” said Sitengu.
