As the world works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the interconnectedness of these goals becomes increasingly apparent. Specifically, SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, is closely linked with SDG 3, aimed at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. In Kenya, this connection is being reinforced through the upcoming launch of the Kenya National School-Based Deworming (NSBD) program, set to commence next week. This initiative targets six million children aged 2-14 years, in both public and private schools, as well as out-of-school children within this age bracket.
This inter-ministerial effort, spearheaded by the Ministries of Health and Education, marks the 11th year of the deworming campaign, which has successfully treated 53 million learners since its inception in 2012. The program’s goal is not only to address immediate health concerns but also to contribute to long-term educational and economic benefits.
During a joint breakfast meeting held on Friday in anticipation of the national launch in Kirinyaga County, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, along with her Basic Education counterpart Dr. Belio Kipsang, emphasized the importance of deworming. They highlighted that school-age children are particularly vulnerable to infections, which can lead to developmental and behavioral issues. These infections interfere with nutrient uptake, causing anemia, malnourishment, impaired cognition, and physical development, ultimately affecting school attendance and performance, and reducing economic productivity in adulthood.
Muthoni noted that worms significantly hinder children’s health by interfering with nutrient uptake, leading to anemia, malnutrition, impaired cognitive and physical development, reduced school attendance and performance, and diminished economic productivity in adulthood. She cited studies showing that investment in deworming yields long-term educational and labor market benefits.
The data is compelling: the overall prevalence of infections has decreased by nearly 62% over the past 11 years, with 2020 being the only year that the program did not meet its targets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This success underscores the critical role of health interventions in enhancing educational outcomes.
As Kenya prepares to launch this year’s deworming campaign, the focus remains on creating a healthier and more educated future generation. The NSBD program is a testament to the power of inter-ministerial collaboration and the importance of addressing health as a fundamental component of quality education. By investing in the health of its young population, Kenya is not only combating immediate health issues but also laying the foundation for long-term educational success and economic prosperity.
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