National School Health Strategy Targets 11 Million Students

The Ministry of Health has officially launched the National Strategy for School Health 2024-2030, under the patronage of Dr. Saleh Mahdi Al-Hasnawi, Minister of Health, and with the participation of Dr. Ibrahim Namis Al-Jubouri, Minister of Education. The launch event was attended by members of the Council of Representatives, representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the World Health Organization, international organisations, and key officials from the Ministry of Health, including Dr. Khamis Al-Saad, Administrative Undersecretary.

This ambitious strategy, prepared in collaboration with the Ministries of Environment, Education, and other supporting agencies, aims to prioritise the health and well-being of over 11 million students in primary, middle, and secondary schools. It focuses on key health areas such as vaccinations, oral health, vision and hearing checks, and mental health support.

Dr. Al-Hasnawi emphasised that the strategy reflects a future-oriented vision to improve school health infrastructure and practices. He noted its comprehensive approach, ensuring the integration and enhancement of health services for students over time. Similarly, the Minister of Education highlighted the necessity of collaboration between all stakeholders to achieve these goals, commending the Ministry of Health’s dedication to regular student health monitoring.

Dr. Kholoud Awda, Director of the School Health Department, reported that the recent national school health campaign reached 96% of Iraqi schools, providing health services to over 5 million students. The campaign included awareness lectures and examinations for hearing, vision, and oral health, among others.

Source: UN Iraq