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This programme was
born out of the realization that despite the existence of many ITN programmes in
Zambia none of them specifically targeted school children.
Targeting of this group is essential for malaria prevention efforts
in that young people are the best agents for change in the society. It is also Zambia’s wish that school children grow up with
the culture of using ITNs so as they become young mothers and
fathers they will have the knowledge to protect their own children.
It is in this
regard that the SHP was launched on Africa Malaria Day 2004. The launch took
place at St. Paul’s Mission School in Kabwe and marked a strong
collaboration between two Ministries that are concerned about the
health and education of children.
To kick-start the
programme, UNICEF donated 4,000 ITNs of which 1, 000 went to St.
Paul’s, 1, 000 to orphans in Kabwe district, and 2, 000 to other
schools in Central and Lusaka Provinces. A total of 10, 000 nets
have been donated by UNICEF for the programme, 3, 950 by WHO. These
nets are to be distributed to 22 schools.
The total amount of
ITNs required to supply all boarding schools in Zambia is
approximately 42, 050 and these are hoped to be distributed by the first quarter of 2005.
What are the
expected outputs from the programme?
-Reduced cases of malaria
-Increased awareness levels on causes, symptoms and prevention of
malaria by all school children
-Scaled up use of ITNs nationwide
-Enhanced quality and access to education
-Reduced rates of absenteeism
The
ultimate goal is
better education and a more developed nation!!
Partners involved in the School
Health Programme
National Malaria
Control Centre
Society for Family
Health
Family Health Trust
Ministry of
Education (Headquarters, DEBS, and CDC)
Sport in Action
Edusport
Zamscout
Red Cross Society
of Zambia
The Post
And many others
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