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East African Journal of Public Health
East African Public Health Association
ISSN: 0856-8960
Vol. 5, No. 2, 2008, pp. 79-85
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Bioline Code: lp08016
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East African Journal of Public Health, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2008, pp. 79-85
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Status And Visions For The School Health Service As Reported By Local Health Care Workers In Northern Tanzania
Borge, Astrid Merete; Manongi, Rachel N.; Masatu, Melkiory C. & Klepp, Knut-Inge
Abstract
Objective:
The World Health Organization's (WHO) Global School Health Initiative provides a strategy to utilize schools to promote
health and reduce the burden of diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate local school health work in Tanzania in
relation to existing national guidelines and the WHO initiative.
Methods:
We interviewed 30 health care workers employed at 15 health institutions throughout Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions.
Results:
The results indicate a wide gap between the national and international guidelines for school health programs and the health
workers' current practices. We found the main obstacles to providing adequate health care to be related to the burden of poverty that
influences all levels of school health services, lack of clarity regarding the current official guidelines for school health services, and
lack of appropriate offers for continuing education in the area of school health services.
Conclusion:
In order to successfully establish an integrated school health service, the working relationship between schools, health
centres and the community clearly needs improvement.
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© Copyright 2008 - East African Journal of Public Heath
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