Kingston, Jamaica, March 04, 2024 (PAHO) - On February 28th, 2024, principals, guidance counselors, and representatives from various entities, including the National Council on Drug Abuse, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, and the Pan American Health Organization, came together to finalize a two-year operational plan. This plan aims to support the implementation of the "Empowering Adolescents: Data to Action" initiative, with targeted initiatives set to begin on March 1, 2024. The plan was carefully designed to align with the Global AA-HA! Guidance and Global Standards for Health Promoting Schools.
During the meeting, the team defined activities for the upcoming three months. These activities closely align with previously successful evidence-based approaches used in Jamaica. Through collaboration with students, parents, and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, the team identified five priority health needs: mental health, physical activity, nutrition, violence, and unintentional injury, along with protective factors.
The 12 participating schools, selected randomly from St. Catherine parish, include Ascott High, Bridgeport High, Dinthill High, Enid Bennett High, Eltham High, Greater Portmore High, Jose Marti High, McGrath High, Spanish Town High, St Catherine High, Tacius Golding High, and Waterford High.
