Supporting every school to become a foundation for healthy lives

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Education Policy
• School Health Services

Background:

• Schools are critical environments influencing children's and adolescents' health.
• Previous school-based health interventions have yielded disappointing results regarding uptake and sustainability.
• A comprehensive approach is needed to leverage schools for health improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the crucial role of schools in promoting student health and reducing health inequalities.
• To advocate for systemic changes within school systems to enhance both academic and health outcomes.
• To encourage health professionals to act as catalysts for structural reforms in schools.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the impact of school attendance and educational success on health.
• Examination of the need for coherence between school policies, structures, and practices.
• Discussion of the role of health professionals in advocating for intersectoral reforms.

Main Results:

• Schools are vital for improving health and reducing inequality when students attend from a young age and achieve educational success.
• Coherence across school systems is essential for advancing both academic and health outcomes.
• Health professionals can drive structural change by participating in school system innovations.

Conclusions:

• Schools are integral to student health, extending beyond educational benefits.
• Systemic, intersectoral reforms within schools are more effective than standalone programs for health promotion.
• Health professionals play a key role in advocating for and implementing these necessary structural changes in schools.