In a concerted effort to promote student health and well-being, public primary and secondary schools in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have launched a comprehensive health awareness campaign. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and various non-governmental organizations, aims to educate students on critical health practices, hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention, thereby fostering a healthier school environment and improving academic outcomes.
The campaign involves a series of interactive workshops, health talks, and practical demonstrations conducted by medical professionals and health educators. Key topics include personal hygiene, handwashing techniques, menstrual hygiene management for girls, healthy eating habits, dangers of substance abuse, and common childhood diseases like malaria and typhoid prevention. Schools are also distributing educational materials such as posters, leaflets, and hygiene kits to reinforce the messages and encourage sustainable practices.
The importance of this campaign cannot be overstated, particularly in rural communities where access to health information and facilities can be limited. By embedding health education within the school curriculum and extracurricular activities, the program ensures that vital knowledge reaches a wide audience, including families through their children. “Understanding personal hygiene is so important, especially for us. They taught us how to wash our hands properly and why it’s important to always use clean water,” shared a bright-eyed primary school student, Nene Barile, expressing her enthusiasm for the new lessons.
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The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Ejike, speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Bori, the headquarters of Khana LGA, emphasized the direct link between student health and academic performance. “A healthy child is a happy and attentive child. By empowering our students with health knowledge, we are not just preventing illnesses; we are building a foundation for better concentration, improved attendance, and ultimately, greater academic success,” Dr. Ejike articulated. He further stressed that public health is a collective responsibility and schools are pivotal in shaping healthy habits from a young age.
Parents have warmly welcomed the initiative, highlighting its positive impact on family health. “My children now come home teaching me about proper waste disposal and why we shouldn’t just eat any food off the ground. This campaign is making a real difference not just in school but in our homes too,” said Mrs. Joy Adah, a mother of three in Khana. A school principal, Mr. Samuel Obi, added, “We’ve seen a noticeable decrease in minor illnesses reported by students since the campaign began. It’s helping to keep them in class and focused on learning.”
The program is also establishing school health clubs, which will be managed by students with guidance from teachers, to ensure the continuous promotion of health and hygiene practices beyond the duration of the campaign. These clubs will serve as peer educators, advocating for healthy living among their fellow students and organizing awareness activities. Efforts are underway to provide schools with access to clean water facilities and improved sanitation infrastructure to support the practical application of the lessons learned.
