The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Healthy Learners to integrate standardized health rooms into school infrastructure under the School Health Programme.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Sandy’s Creation Resort in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary Nicholas Phiri said the initiative reflects government’s deliberate policy to create a more conducive learning environment for pupils.

Mr Phiri emphasized that all education facilities funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) will, as a matter of policy, incorporate health rooms in their designs.

“There cannot be education without a healthy body,” Mr. Phiri stated, adding that the move will improve access to basic health services for learners and reduce the distances pupils travel to seek care.

Parliamentary Caucus on School Health Chairperson and Itezhi-Tezhi MP, Twaambo Mutinta, said the agreement responds directly to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for schools to provide comprehensive care that safeguards both the health and education needs of learners.

And Healthy Learners Deputy CEO Angel Chelwa described the MoU as an important step toward improving coordination and sustainability of the School Health Programme.