The Departments of Basic Education and Health are jointly implementing the Integrated School Health Programme that will extend, over time, the coverage of school health services to all learners in primary and secondary schools. The programme offers a comprehensive and integrated package of services including sexual and reproductive health services for older learners.
The Health Services Package for the ISHP includes a large component of health education for each of the four school phases (such as how to lead a healthy lifestyle and drug and substance abuse awareness), health screening (such as screening for vision, hearing, oral health and tuberculosis) and onsite services (such as deworming and immunization).
During 2013/2014, the programme aims to reach 700 000 learners in grades 1 4, 8 and 10 in quintile 1 and 2 schools. Learners in Grade 4 in quintile 1 schools will receive health education. All learners repeating grades in quintile 1 and 2 schools will also receive health screening.