Kerala Schools Launch 'Health Ambassador' Program for Kids

Kerala is launching the Aksharam Arogyam initiative, a comprehensive school program focusing on student well-being. This program aims to teach children essential first aid, menstrual hygiene, and healthy habits, empowering them to become health ambassadors.

The state health and general education departments are jointly implementing this initiative across all government and aided schools. Students from classes 1 to 12 will benefit from regular health check-ups and receive health cards that will eventually become secure electronic records.

Teachers are being appointed as health mentors and will undergo training to deliver structured health education. This education will cover 11 themes across four key areas in an age-appropriate manner.

Health awareness activities, including assemblies and health corners, will be established in schools. The program also strengthens existing initiatives like immunization drives and iron supplementation, preparing students to handle emergencies at school, home, or while traveling.