Reinforce implementation of school health policy in schools –lobbyists tell government

African Gender and Media Initiative Trust programs manager Gladys Kiio addressing health stakeholders at Reef Hotel on Reinforce implementation of school health policy in schools –lobbyists tell government Friday Photo by Enos Opiyo

BY PETER KOMBE

Lobbyists working around sexual reproductive health have urged the government to strengthen the implementation of the national school health policy in schools.

The National School Health Policy was officially launched in Kilifi County in June this year.

Speaking at the sidelines of an official launch of the Mombasa County Technical Working Group TWG in a Mombasa Hotel on Friday African Gender and Media Initiative Trust programs manager Gladys Kiio said once implemented the policy will address some of the challenges facing learners across the country.

She noted mental health, sanitation, HIV, teenage pregnancy and non-communicable diseases as some of the teething challenges facing learners.

“As activists we want to see a full implementation of the school health policy. We shall continue to support the government so that the implementation can be realized.” She noted.

The human rights activist also wants the county governments to coordinate the implementation of the policy.

She called on a collaborative approach amongst various stakeholders in the implementation of the school health policy.

On the issue of the TWGs, Mombasa county school health coordinator Austine Odaba said they will be of tremendous help to the health department in the implementing Comprehensive sexuality education in schools.

The county health official adds that they TWGs will assist the department in mobilizing resources noting the fact that there are few partners on board.

He said “It will further offers learners an opportunity to access health care services without prejudice and discrimination.”

Odaba says there is need to capacity build learning institutions in order to address some of the health concerns.

Dream Achievers Youth Organisation Executive Director Seif Jira at Reef Hotel on Friday facilitating through a session. Image Enos Opiyo

Dream Achievers Youth Organization executive director Seif Jira says as far as health is concerned the organization focuses on four projects.

He however says the programs are being implemented in Mombasa and Kilifi counties.

Said Seif “Recently the director of health confirmed to us that there is a total of 14 youth friendly centres in Mombasa County. Again we are beneficiaries of Right Here Right Now.

The director further adds that they organization has been steering peer education in schools to educate young people on health matters.

The Technical working group aims at enhancing school health activities within the county.

It also seeks to among other functions advice both the national and county government on priority issues related to the school health policy.

Some of the principles of the NSHP include access to health and nutrition services, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, access to education, non-discrimination, and access to information among others.

The policy seeks to among others develop safe health environments and school infrastructure that are conducive to learning.

DAYO Sexual Rights and Reproductive Health officer Gaetano Muganda, looking on is ED Seif Jira image by Enos Opiyo.