Challenges in implementing a successful school health program in Maldives.

Abstract

It is self-evident that school health program in Maldives has not been in line with School Health Policy 2011. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the challenges faced by the schools in implementing school health programs successfully as comprehended in School Health Policy. This research paper focuses mainly on 5 areas of challenges, human resource, perception of importance, staff, parent, community and government’s support, adequate infrastructure and budget and finance. 28 schools randomly selected from the first 11 atolls except Alifu Dhaalu atoll was accounted in the research. Several challenges in implementing school health programs among these schools were identified, including lack of human resources, inadequate support from parents, staffs and community in implementation, and lack of adequate infrastructure. In addition to addressing these issues, improving awareness of school management on School Health Policy, school health program and its importance would likely improve the success rate of the program.