Healthier students. Fewer barriers to learning.
SHS places trained nurses inside schools across Somalia and Somaliland, catching vision, hearing, dental and general health issues early — before they cost a child their education.
School Health Support (SHS)
School Health Support (SHS) is a health-related program implemented in schools to promote the well-being of students, staff, and the broader school community. SHS takes a holistic approach to student well-being, integrating health education, medical services, nutrition programs, and mental health support within the school setting.
It prioritises a safe and hygienic environment, promotes physical activity, and fosters community involvement so students can thrive academically and socially. By combining preventive care, health awareness, and psychosocial support, SHS reduces health barriers to learning and cultivates long-term healthy behaviours among students.
Challenges in Somalia and Somaliland
- 01Low enrolment: only 30% of children attend primary school (World Bank, 2023), with poor health a leading contributor.
- 02Inadequate WASH infrastructure: 60% of schools lack clean water (UNICEF, 2024), fuelling preventable disease.
- 03Absenteeism crisis: 45% of student absences are health-related (WHO & Federal Ministry of Health, Somalia, 2023) — preventable illness impairs cognitive development and drives dropout.
Demonstrated impact
Our school-based health programs deliver measurable improvements in both health and educational outcomes for students. By integrating healthcare into schools, we:
- Increase access by training teachers as frontline School Health Workers (SHWs), bridging schools and the formal health system.
- Reduce disparities by reaching underserved children — especially girls — where they spend most of their time: the classroom.
A unique healthcare system for children
SHS is a ground-breaking healthcare system uniquely designed for school children.
Our partner schools
