1. SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAMME IN SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BLANTYRE-LESSONS LEARNT
Presenters: Kululanga L. , Chorwe-Sungani G. , Sefasi A. and Jere D.
November 27, 2014
NAC/COM Conference, Lilongwe

2. Introduction
School health programme has proven to be one of the most effective ways for promoting health of school going children.
Lack of school health programme is associated with increased communicable diseases and increased dropout rates among school going children in developing countries like Malawi.

3. Introduction cont/…
Providing school health and nutrition services in all public primary schools is one of the guiding principles for realising Malawi’s National Education Sector plan’s vision for improving educational quality, equity, access and efficiency
In 2007, the government launched the National School Health and Nutrition (SHN) programme, which was going to be implemented in primary schools across the country (Mana April 19, 2007).

4. Introduction cont/…
This programme was going to include supplementation of micronutrient foods; promotion of the use of iodized salt; health and behavioural change.

5. Methodology
A mixed method study approach was used to determine the implementation of school health activities in 3 primary schools in Blantyre urban in Malawi.
These primary schools were chosen by the District Education Manager’s Office
Data was collected between May to June 2014.
Data collection methods were; observations, interviews, physical examination and environmental assessment.

6. Observations
Observations were conducted using a checklist to gather data on behavior, events and noting physical characteristics in the participating schools.
Observation allowed the researchers understand the situation, and to know about the physical setting (CDC, 2008).

7. Interviews
Interviews with administrators, teachers, school committee, and selected pupils were conducted using an interview guide.
The aim was to elicit and validate information gained through observations.

8. Physical Examination
Physical examination were also conducted on 531 Standard 1 pupils at the three schools.
The goal of physical assessment was to determine the pupil’s health status and identify the presence of physical problems

9. Environmental Assessment
Environmental assessment was conducted to identify potential adverse effects that were present at the schools.
This helped us to predict the environmental consequences on the pupils, in order to determine a programme of action.
environmental assessment was conducted using a tool that was developed by researchers

10. Conceptual Framework
The development of data collection tools was guided by Roy’s adaptation theory, which states that: an individual is a set of interrelated systems (biological, psychological, and social).
The individual strives to maintain a balance between these systems and the outside world. The individual strives to live within a unique band in which he/she can cope adequately (Roy 1980).

11. Findings The 3 primary schools have:
permanent buildings
play grounds
parent teachers association (PTA)
Rubbish pits
Clubs i.e AIDS Toto, Girl guide, though not active
Pupils are taught life skills although some teachers are not comfortable to teach reproductive health issues

12. Findings Pupils are given fortified porridge
Communities participate in school affairs
There is shortage of teachers (Table 1)
Pupils are overcrowded in classrooms
Skin conditions and dental caries are common among pupils (Figure 1)
Some pupils abuse drugs and alcohol
Schools lack first aid kits

13. Findings

14. Findings

15. Discussion
Worldwide, 5% of all deaths of young people between ages 15 and 29 are attributed to alcohol use; in some countries up to 60% of all new infections occur among year olds. Many of these risks can be significantly reduced by preventing behaviours that are initiated during youth.

16. Discussion
WHO promotes school health programmes as a strategic means to prevent important health risk among youth by engaging the education sector in efforts to change the social, economic and political conditions that affect risk. A school health initiative seeks to mobilise and strengthen health promotion and education activities.

17. Lessons learnt
Health promotion activities not emphasized; psychosocial aspect totally ignored
Fragmented approach (team approach is absent) achieve more if team approach
Community participation
Missed opportunity
Corpral punishment being used/bullying/discouraging school attendance
HIV education-knowledge and prevention (Life skills)