Learning from the strengths of health care in schools in Brazil & opportunities for contemporary global school health

Abstract

Most children and youth around the globe spend some time in school. Therefore, schools are essential for health, learning, and engaging families. School health models and programmes vary worldwide, some with strengths and weaknesses. This perspective highlights the strengths of school health in Brazil and identifies opportunities for global school health in the twenty-first century. We discuss implications for global school health practice, policy, and opportunities for school health innovation. Four opportunities were identified and discussed: (1) Standardizing the Role of Community Health Workers in Schools, (2) Accelerating School-Based Evidence-Based Programming, (3) Strengthening School-Based Care Coordination to Address Adverse Social Determinants of Health & Learning, and (4) Optimizing Health Information Systems in Schools and Data Sharing.

Keywords

• Global school health
• school health
• Brazil
• community health workers
• school nurses
• SDG 1: No poverty