Schoolchildren get Health priority
View(s):Schoolchildren’s Health will be given priority under a special joint programme initiated by the Ministry of Education (MoE), along with the Ministry of Health (MoH). This programme will address schoolchildren’s health issues such as low nutrition, drug menace, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cholesterol, and Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder reported among a small number of schoolchildren.
The Committee will also look into strengthening the circular issued regarding standards of school canteens. A discussion was held recently between Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne at the MoE regarding this. “Measures will be taken to limit the high sugar usage in some food available at school canteens as well as fast food. It has been found that the obesity rate is rising among schoolchildren,” the MoE said.
It was also proposed to make Health protection, a subject area presently included in the school Health and Physical Education syllabus, compulsory to all students. At the meeting, it was decided to conduct blood tests for Thalessimia, in schools, to facilitate early detections.
Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said officials from both Ministries will work together to improve schoolchildren’s Health.