13 June

National Seminar on Strengthening Health Promotion School titled “Physically and Mentally Fit Youth for the Brighter Future” was held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Speaking at the seminar, Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr. Myint Htwe said the tasks for strengthening the health promotion at schools is as important as the National Health Plan 2017-2021, the road map for the tasks for health sector of the country.

He continued to say that promoting health standard of the school-age children who makes up about 20 per cent of the country’s population would ensure the all-round development of the country.

The Union Minister said the suggestions given by experts from different sectors including education, health and sport areas would be used for laying down strategies and future plans strengthening health promotion at schools.

Union Minister Dr. Myint Htwe also called on other related ministries, INGOs and civil society organizations for cooperating in implementing the seven tasks for promoting the health standard at schools under the leadership of the Ministry of Education as the Ministry of Health and Sports alone can not bring success to the programme.

He also stressed the important role of the heads of schools, teachers, parents, school children and representatives of the Students Unions in implementing the school health programme and activities.

Schools which has high performance for promoting school health should be honoured, said Dr. Myint Htwe stressing the need to lay down strategies which can meet the need of respective regions.

Afterwards, Union Minister for Health Dr. Myo Thein Gyi also delivered key-note address and called on faculties of the Ministry of Education, parents and students to cooperate the best with the ministries concerned and MPs in carrying out the school health promotion programme which can ensure the children free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and free from dangers and can promote the healthy living styles and can reduce game addict.

Following the addresses of the two Union ministers, the seminar began with the discussion of experts.

The national-level seminar continues today.—MNA
(Translated by Tun Tun Naing)