Presentation Information
[1A03]The role of academic research in ensuring the health and education of children in Asia and Africa in the SDGs era:Possibilities and challenges of school health research
*Sachi TOMOKAWA1,2, *Souknaly Thoumma3,7, *Mika Kigawa4,2, *Taeko Takayanagi5, *Kaede Tabira3,2, *Mikiko Inaoka6,2 (1. Shinshu University,Japan, 2. Japanese Consortium for Global School Health and Research, Japan, 3. University of the Ryukyus, Japan, 4. Kanagawa University of Human Services,Japan, 5. Tokyo Woman's Christian University,Japan, 6. International University of Health and Welfare,Japan, 7. National University of Laos,Lao PDR)
Keywords:
School Health,Asia,Africa,Research,SDGs
1.Background
During the MDG era, the relationship between education and health was emphasized, and child health was regarded as essential for better educational outcomes. Evidence from Asia and Africa showed that school-based health services and health education improved children’s health and nutrition, which contributed to higher academic achievement and reduced dropout and repetition. In the SDG era, education has shifted focus toward improving learning quality and supporting marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities and girls. In health, priority has moved to controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the target of school health has expanded to cover preschool and secondary education as well as primary school.
Main Points to Be Discussed
This session will begin with a review by Dr. Tomokawa about transitions in school health activities and research from the MDG to the SDG era. Five case studies will then be presented. First, Ms. Souknaly will introduce child-led parasite control initiatives in Lao PDR. Second, Dr. Kigawa will present infectious disease prevention measures for foreign-origin children residing long term in Japan. Third, Dr. Takayanagi will discuss menstrual hygiene management among Maasai children in Kenya. Fourth, Ms. Tabira will report on measures to address child marriage. Finally, Dr. Inaoka will present practices and prospects for adolescent NCD prevention. Following these presentations, a plenary discussion will explore the roles expected of school health in responding to increasingly diverse and complex challenges, and the kinds of research needed to maximize outcomes in the SDG era.
3. Expected Outcome of the Session
By combining insights from both education and health, the session will clarify the potential and challenges of school health as an interdisciplinary field. It will also identify the academic contributions and research approaches necessary to further promote and develop school health research in Asia and Africa.
During the MDG era, the relationship between education and health was emphasized, and child health was regarded as essential for better educational outcomes. Evidence from Asia and Africa showed that school-based health services and health education improved children’s health and nutrition, which contributed to higher academic achievement and reduced dropout and repetition. In the SDG era, education has shifted focus toward improving learning quality and supporting marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities and girls. In health, priority has moved to controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the target of school health has expanded to cover preschool and secondary education as well as primary school.
Main Points to Be Discussed
This session will begin with a review by Dr. Tomokawa about transitions in school health activities and research from the MDG to the SDG era. Five case studies will then be presented. First, Ms. Souknaly will introduce child-led parasite control initiatives in Lao PDR. Second, Dr. Kigawa will present infectious disease prevention measures for foreign-origin children residing long term in Japan. Third, Dr. Takayanagi will discuss menstrual hygiene management among Maasai children in Kenya. Fourth, Ms. Tabira will report on measures to address child marriage. Finally, Dr. Inaoka will present practices and prospects for adolescent NCD prevention. Following these presentations, a plenary discussion will explore the roles expected of school health in responding to increasingly diverse and complex challenges, and the kinds of research needed to maximize outcomes in the SDG era.
3. Expected Outcome of the Session
By combining insights from both education and health, the session will clarify the potential and challenges of school health as an interdisciplinary field. It will also identify the academic contributions and research approaches necessary to further promote and develop school health research in Asia and Africa.
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