School-based initiatives to reduce malaria morbidity and promote academic achievement in children

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, the challenge of addressing illnesses related to the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) is compounded by other determinants of health, most notably the impact of poverty and infectious disease. Research has identified social factors to be the root cause of inequities in health that involve both non-communicable and infectious diseases, hence the calls for remedial action to involve social and treatment strategies. There is a recognised need for school programmes to educate the next generation about DOHaD, so that young people gain a measure of ‘health independence’ through learned knowledge, acquired skills and positive behaviours