Sixteen schools in the Macuata/Bua Province were awarded Bronze-level status for their efforts in progressing the Health Promoting Schools initiatives.

Chief Guest Macuata Sub-divisional Medical Officer, Dr. Tiko Saumalua commended the schools for their hard work in helping children become health-conscious.

He reassured headteachers, principals, teachers, and students that the HPS program will continue as it is closely aligned to the Ministry of Health’s Annual Operating Plan.

Dr. Saumalua adds they will continue to assist the Ministry of Education with the usual sub-divisional health school visits with dieticians, health inspectors, dentists, nursing practitioners, and doctors.

The schools recognized today are Coqeloa Sangam, Draladamu Primary, Vunika Primary, Valebasoga Secondary, Waiqele College, Bulileka Primary, Batinikama Primary, Daku Primary, Domonisavu District, Labasa Primary, Waiqele Primary, Naleba College, Nabekavu Primary, Naleba Primary, and Wavuwavu Primary School.

Dr. Saumalua hope’s non-HPS schools will also adopt the program as a way of addressing Fiji’s high rate of NCDs.

The Health Promoting Schools project is led by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The World Health Organization has been providing technical support.