The Uganda Red Cross is helping school students learn about different disease threats to keep their families and communities safe.
School Health Clubs teach students about life-threatening diseases and how to protect themselves. This is crucial in a country vulnerable to diseases like Ebola and malaria.
The School Health Club programme is part of the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme.
It is run by the IFRC and Red Cross National Societies to prepare communities and partners for health risks. Kikanshemeza, a pupil at Mwisi Primary school, has made a tippy tap and shared life-saving information about diseases.
The School Health Club helps members understand different diseases and how to recognize signs and symptoms. Members are responsible for maintaining school handwashing facilities, practicing proper hygiene, and sharing their knowledge with fellow students. This is done through engaging and theatrical performances to keep students interested and informed.
The IFRC and their member National Societies have long focused on helping people prepare for, respond to, and recover from epidemics.
They believe that effective epidemic preparedness should involve communities themselves, first responders, and partners from across all parts of society. School health clubs serve as a platform for training the next generation of epidemic emergency responders.
Kushaba, another School Health Club member, has noticed positive changes in his community. He has learned how to control malaria by draining stagnant water, using treated mosquito nets, and maintaining hygiene.
The School Health Club has improved the health and well-being of students, their families, and the wider community. With the help of IFRC and the Uganda Red Cross, school children are becoming better prepared for health risks.
