A National Civil Society Organisation Coalition on School Health Strategic Plan, which is aimed at providing a roadmap for increased access of health services for learners in Zambia, has been launched.
Speaking at the launch, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on School Health, Twaambo Mutinta, said the strategic plan also recognises the need for increased domestic financing and effective utilisation of local resources such as Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
“It places emphasis on key areas such as mental health, nutrition, hygiene, reproductive health and prevention of gender-based violence, each of which is a critical determinant of education success,” Mr Mutinta said.
He reiterated that his caucus remains committed to working with the civil society organisations and other stakeholders in order to ensure that school health becomes an integral part of national policy and budget framework.
And Head of Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Kusobile Kamwambi, who was represented by PDU Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Tobias Michelo, commended the CSOs for their initiative to supplement the government’s efforts towards social economic development.
Ms Kamwambi added that PDU will continue to support such initiatives and expressed hope that the strategic framework will help strengthen similar projects across the country.
Meanwhile, Healthy Learners Head of Policy and Government Engagement, Muleta Kapatiso, said there is a need to measure the impact of the framework at provincial level in order to put up procedures for improvement within local resources.
Mr Kapatiso added that his institution will support the CSOs to deepen community engagement and create more awareness on how the communities can mobilise themselves and ensure every school in their area has a health room.
