Improving school-based health programmes

Substantial evidence indicates that there is a strong link between early and equitable opportunities for learning and the health of children. Similarly, the extent of an individual’s education influences their health over a lifetime.

Governments have a primary responsibility to ensure that the conditions for schools and education are the best they can be. These ideal conditions can be achieved by establishing health promoting schools.

A health promoting school is one that constantly strengthens its capacity to function as a healthy setting for learning, living and working. It allows all members of the school community to work together to provide students and staff with integrated and positive experiences and structures that promote and protect their health.

Although the concept of health promoting schools is gaining ground internationally, schools are at different stages of implementing the concept and they also face different challenges: some health professionals and educators are struggling with basic needs in the schools, while others are promoting healthy lifestyles including healthy food, physical activity and non-smoking.

WHO developed a Framework for Action, which offers schools, parents, teachers, communities and other stakeholders the key principles and simple tools to help them create a healthier learning environment. Ultimately, the Framework is envisioned to enhance the ongoing work in the health and education sectors and to contribute to the achievement of other global commitments for child health. The aim is to build global standards for health promoting schools.

Having health promoting physical and social school environments supported by good policies and an active and involved community is especially important for the WHO Western Pacific Region, with its diverse cultures, socio-economic conditions and dietary habits.