Nkawie (Ash), June 4, GNA - Madam Irene Comfort Badu, Atwima-Nwabiagya District Co-ordinator of School Health Education Programme (SHEP), has observed that a major problem affecting quality education delivery in the country is the lack of attention for the good health needs of children.

She said the low coverage of school health services and low knowledge of students and staff on health issues had to be addressed. Madam Badu was speaking at a workshop on examination, screening and health check of pupils for 50 School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Co-ordinators from basic schools in the district at Nkawie on Friday.

It was aimed at improving the health needs of pupils to facilitate learning and also to assist the participants to organise health education sessions including proper examination of pupils and teachers for appropriate referrals to hospitals and medical facilities. Madam Badu said the SHEP Unit of the District Education Directorate was committed to the provision of health education materials; facilitate health sessions and school team meetings to identify the health needs of school communities.

She said the Directorate had intensified the proper examination and screening of pupils' illnesses, personal hygiene, clean environment and the establishment and equipping of school clinics and first aid boxes. Madam Badu advised the participants to use the knowledge acquired at the workshop to prevent sickness, improve school sanitation and contain illness among school children.