FG reviews 2006 national school health policy

The Federal Government is reviewing the National School Health Policy, established in 2006, to adapt to emerging health concerns and enhance the overall well-being of students nationwide. Deputy Director and Head of the Sports and Health Education Division at the Federal Ministry of Education, Njideka Dorothy, announced this during the 33rd LAPO annual development forum held in Abuja.

The forum's theme was "Safe Water, Healthy Learning: Advancing WASH in Nigerian Schools." Dorothy emphasized the need for this review to address new health issues and integrate health and well-being into the education system. Since its inception, the National School Health Policy has been a guiding framework, but new and evolving health challenges necessitated its comprehensive examination.

Dorothy highlighted the importance of safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene in creating conducive learning environments, as these factors are crucial for learner health, dignity, attendance, and academic performance. She pointed out that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions should lead to behavioral changes, such as frequent handwashing, to prevent the spread of diseases.

However, she also highlighted persistent challenges, including inadequate water supply, insufficient sanitation and handwashing facilities, limited funding, and poor maintenance. To ensure success, Dorothy urged stronger integration of water, sanitation, and hygiene into education planning, budgeting, school supervision, and accountability mechanisms.

She called for collaboration with development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, and relevant government institutions through strategic investments, technical support, WASH assessments, hygiene education, and sustainable maintenance systems. Dorothy also emphasized the importance of improved coordination among education, water, sanitation, health, and environment sectors to achieve measurable improvements in school environments.

According to the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) president, Faith Osasuawa-Ojo, only 37 percent of schools have access to basic water supply services, 35 percent have access to basic sanitation services, and 30 percent provide basic hygiene services. A 2021 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping report, published in June 2022, revealed that only about 15 percent of schools had budgeted funds for maintaining their WASH facilities.

These statistics represent the daily struggles of millions of Nigerian children in accessing safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services.