Background
The Integrated School Health Programme is a joint initiative between the Departments of Basic Education, Health and Social Development that delivers a comprehensive package of both onsite health education and services to primary and secondary schools.
The services consist of health screening, on-site service provision, health education and referral to local health clinics for further assessment and treatment and will be expanded in phases to reach all learners over the next five years.
South Africa has long recognised the importance of education and committed itself to improving our public health and education systems. Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) focuses on preventative and promotive health care in an affordable and equitable manner for all South Africans. The NHI will ensure quality of health care through amongst others massive improvements in infrastructure, ensuring compliance of basic standards and healthcare management.
President Jacob Zuma stressed the need to tackle head-on the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality, adding that education was the most powerful tool in achieving this goal. South Africa looks at education as nation-building and where primary health care services are important to the health and wellbeing of children. The core of the NHI is primary health care re-engineering which includes expansion and strengthening of school health services and district clinical specialist teams. Government and its partners are in the process of strengthening South Africa’s School Health Service to support the health of children throughout their school life, from the moment they enter formal schooling. This new initiative will be known as the Integrated School Health Programme.
Media statements and advisories:
President Jacob Zuma launches integrated school health programme, 11 Oct
President Jacob Zuma: Launch of School Health Programme
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