Lessons from implementation of the Integrated School Health Policy in South Africa

The Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) was launched in 2012 across 9 South Africa provinces as part of the National Government strategy to reduce maternal and child mortalities and improve educational outcomes. Save the... [ view full abstract ]

The Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) was launched in 2012 across 9 South Africa provinces as part of the National Government strategy to reduce maternal and child mortalities and improve educational outcomes. Save the Children South Africa and Futures Group (part of GRM Futures Group) supported the National ISHP Task Team to establish platforms and foundations for partnerships within Government, between the education, health and social development departments (at provincial and district levels) and with civil society as part of the DFID funded programme: Reducing Maternal and Child Health Mortality through Strengthening Primary Health Care (RMCH – 2012-2015). ISHP task teams were successfully established as co-ordination structures in 24 districts across 8 provinces. Early indications show improved structural integration and communication between the Departments of Education, Health and Social Development and other stakeholders. Collective and collaborative planning, monitoring and reporting on the ISHP have significantly improved as a result of the introduction and formalisation of terms of reference for task teams at provincial and district levels. Proxy outcome indicators for teenage pregnancy reduction have shown some improvement through collective initiatives of the RMCH programme since 2012. Data on education outcomes is not yet available. Strengthening partnerships for comprehensive co-ordination has proved to be a cornerstone to the successful implementation and institutionalisation of the ISHP. However, incentives for complete collaboration and cooperation need to be strengthened, particularly with regards to budgetary allocations, and linkages with School Governing Bodies and parent associations will be essential to successful implementation at the school level.