The “Back to School Plagues”: A Health Concern in Uganda’s Schools

The “Back to School Plagues”: A Health Concern in Uganda’s Schools

Concerns Over Health Conditions in Ugandan Schools

In Kampala, Uganda, the start of a new school term is often met with apprehension, not just for the academic challenges it brings, but also for the health issues that accompany it. Parents have expressed growing concerns over the wellbeing of their children, noting a trend of what they term “back to school plagues”. These health issues include weight loss, stomach bugs, colds, coughs, and bacterial infections such as impetigo and Strep throat.

The transition from a home environment to a school setting seems to trigger these health problems. Changes in diet and environment, coupled with the presence of dust mites, mould, and chemicals in the school environment, can particularly affect children with asthma and allergies.

The Impact of Poor Hygiene in Schools

Parents have attributed these health issues to several factors, including poor personal hygiene among students, unclean school premises, and the sharing of utensils. The beginning of the term becomes a particularly stressful period as children fall ill, causing them to miss school and leading to additional medical expenses.

Waterborne and foodborne infections are also common at the start of the school term, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and food poisoning. The issues of poor hygiene and the unclean school environment are therefore of significant concern and are seen as contributors to these health problems.

Pattern of Health Issues

Medical professionals have also observed a pattern of health issues among students. Early term diseases typically include typhoid and malaria, while mid-term ailments often involve ulcers and urinary tract infections. It has been reported that approximately 75% of students fall ill in the middle of the term. The quality of school meals, particularly snacks, has been highlighted as a cause for concern, as they are often poorly cooked and served in unhygienic conditions, resulting in stomach upsets and food poisoning.

Responses and Preventive Measures

The growing concerns have led to calls from parents, school administrators, and health professionals for improved hygiene practices and cleaner school environments. The Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation records indicate that the most common diseases in schools are chickenpox and measles, and measures to prevent these should be a priority.

However, the challenge lies in effectively addressing the multiple factors contributing to these health issues. It requires not only improvements in school environments and hygiene practices, but also increased awareness and education among students and parents regarding personal hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.

The situation in Ugandan schools highlights the importance of a holistic approach in managing student health, where the school environment, personal habits, and diet all play significant roles. It also underscores the need for continuous monitoring and quick responses to health issues in schools to ensure the wellbeing of the students and to prevent disruptions to their education.