Guadalcanal conducts health promotion training in schools

A dozen schools in Guadalcanal have received health training in the past two weeks, according to the Ministry of Health.

The trainings covered healthy setting guidelines, including the healthy school guideline. The guideline is to enable schools to map areas that need attention and action to ensure a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment for schoolchildren.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Health to promote healthy living and lifestyle, with emphasis and attention on the prevention front.

The Director General of Health Promotion and National Coordinator of Healthy Environments, Mr Ben Rickie Kiokimo, explained that this approach is implemented by the Ministry of Health through its National Department of Health Promotion and provincial health services and its partners and stakeholders.

Guadalcanal Health Promotion Officer, Mr. Kelton Sikala, who is currently supporting the Healthy Settings program as lead facilitator, said participants should complete a baseline assessment of gaps in their environment and develop action plans. action to solve the identified problems.

“For example, at the Betivatu school, participants identified health and safety issues, including the need to strengthen behavior change communication to do personal hygiene activities such as washing hands after using the restroom and before eating a standard. They also identified the need to replace one of its buildings which has deteriorated and poses safety risks to students and staff,” explained Ms. Sikala.

He added that many other health and safety issues are identified which schools need to commit to addressing, some will require the support of education authorities, while most are within the purview of the schools themselves.

“It is the purpose of the training to enable teachers and school administrators to see for themselves the issues impacting student health and learning on school premises,” Mr. Sikala.

He also pointed out that the importance of training is to improve health and well-being in the country.

“Therefore, we need to invest in holistic health settings at the school level, where children spend more time in the day and in a captive learning environment.

“Health education should be integrated into the school curriculum, and also reflected in school administration and ethos, with strong community partnership and school-based health services,” stressed Mr Sikala.

Source: MHMS Media