DepEd health program cited

MANILA, Philippines - A program being implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) to improve the health of public school children has gained recognition as one of the best practices in primary health care among school children.

DepEd said that their Essential Health Care Program (EHCP), a school-based health program which advocates simple and cost-effective health interventions such as hand washing and daily brushing of teeth to promote cleanliness and prevent sickness among school children, was awarded by the Global South-South Development Expo, a United Nations-wide annual event held in Washington last Dec. 17.

Fit For School Inc., a partner of DepEd in implementing EHCP, has been selected as one of the three winning southern solutions to be exhibited and awarded at the Global South-South Development Expo 2009 for its innovation.

The EHCP combines high impact and evidence-based interventions in a simple and cost effective package to improve health and development of primary school children.

The EHCP, implemented in public day care and elementary schools nationwide, provides a health kit to every pupil consisting of soap for hand washing, a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and a deworming tablet given twice a year.

EHCP seeks to reduce the incidence of diarrhea by 30 to 40 percent, bring down respiratory infections by 20-30 percent, and cut worm infections by 50 percent. This program is expected to increase school attendance by 20 percent and improve academic performance.

The DepEd program has received funding assistance from various private companies which help in providing the health items in the EHCP kits as well as in distributing them to thousands of public schools throughout the country.

“The eyes of the international public health and education community are on our work in the Philippines. Winning this award is an honor and great recognition for all those involved in the program,” Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said in a statement.

The EHCP currently reaches 2.02 million children in some 8,000 elementary schools throughout the Philippines.