Training students to be peer health educators

In sub-Saharan Africa, 1 child out of every 12 children dies before his or her fifth birthday. The leading causes of these deaths include diarrhea and curable illnesses like pneumonia and malaria, all of which are easily prevented with simple solutions.

Throughout primary schools in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, we provide students with tools and training to set up their own School Health Clubs. These clubs are made up of students who are trained by their teachers to be peer educators on topics like preventing common diseases, nutrition and hygiene. The students in School Health Clubs use what they learn practically in their school and at home, such as helping younger students wash their hands before lunch time.

We did this at a primary school in Mwanzugi, Tanzania where girls between the ages of 10 and 19 are also given weekly iron and folic acid supplementation to help them stay healthy. In the photo above, a member of the School Health Club (the young girl holding a box) tells her peers about why they should take their weekly iron and folic acid supplementation.