AUTHOR=Sarr Bachir , Fernandes Meena , Banham Louise , Bundy Donald , Gillespie Amaya , McMahon Brie , Peel Francis , Tang K. C. , Tembon Andy , Drake Lesley TITLE=The Evolution of School Health and Nutrition in the Education Sector 2000–2015 in sub-Saharan Africa JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=4 YEAR=2017 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2016.00271 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2016.00271 ISSN=2296-2565 ABSTRACT=Study objectives

To document the progression of school health and nutrition and its integration within the education sector in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2015.

Background

School health and nutrition programs have contributed to “Education for All” objectives by helping ensure that children benefit from quality education and reach their educational potential.

Methods

Analysis of education sector plans (ESPs) in terms of the Focusing Resources on Effective School Health (FRESH) framework and the World Bank Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) School Health survey from a set of countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Results

Between 2000 and 2015, the presence and scope of school health and nutrition as reflected in the four FRESH pillars grew substantially in ESPs. Three of these pillars have large, upfront costs. The fourth pillar requires recurring annual budgetary allotments.

Conclusion

Governments clearly recognize that evidence-based, contextually designed school health and nutrition programs can contribute to education sector goals. Moving into the post-2015 era, these programs can also help draw the last 10% of children into school and enhance their readiness to learn.