A health promoting school approach used to reduce the risks of lead poisoning and to establish cross-ethnic collaboration

摘要

This programme is at an early stage but considerable progress has been made over the last three years. The health promoting school model has been shown to be suitable as a basis for developing the approach to a highly specific problem such as children being exposed to an environmental hazard. This relates to schools being an excellent vehicle to reach the at risk target groups of children and pregnant mothers. In addition the parents, the children's environment and the health services are accessible through the schools. The educational role of schools enables initiatives to be pursued relating to minimizing exposure to the pollutant in the young peoples' environment. The whole school approach can also play a part in minimizing the effects of exposure on the body through various strategies. For example through appropriate nutritional advice and food provision in schools, the risks of the anaemia associated with lead poisoning can be reduced. The activities in schools also generate media coverage which helps to reach more of the general population.