Investing in learners’ health, nutrition and well-being: an urgent need

The world is only starting to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and now must contend with concurrent learning, food and climate crises. Children are most severely impacted by these interlocked crises.

In low- and-lower-middle income countries, 70% of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple text; mental health issues are increasing; and more than 153 million children are being pushed into food insecurity. These impacts are further exacerbated by extreme climates and conflict.

At a time when countries are seeking effective solutions for protecting and investing in the future of their children and adolescents, school health and nutrition programs are one of the smartest investments they can make. Healthy and happy children learn better and are more likely to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Good health and nutrition are foundations for learning and a crucial investment for more prosperous, inclusive and peaceful societies.

What does health and nutrition mean for learners and schools?

School health and nutrition is about investing in learners’ education health, nutrition and well-being at the same time, with benefits extending to homes and communities.

School health and nutrition interventions bring children into school and help them stay there and learn – especially those most at risk of missing out – optimizing existing investments in education. For example, school meals alone have been found to increase enrollment and attendance rates by 9% and 8% respectively, learners are 50% less likely to skip school when the learning environment is free from violence; and absenteeism is reduced in low-income countries when water, sanitation and hygiene are improved – in particular for girls during menstruation.

The case studies in the report show that there are many ways in which schools can promote health and well-being. This starts by including health and well-being in the curriculum, providing nutritious school meals and ensuring access to health services, such as vaccinations, deworming and psychosocial support.

It also means ensuring that school environments are inclusive, free from violence and conducive to good health.

Greater efforts to engage learners and communities and to ensure school staff and teachers have the necessary knowledge, tools and support are also needed.

What is the state of school health and nutrition around the world?

The good news is that nearly every country around the world is investing in their school-age children and adolescents through school health and nutrition: more than 100 countries have school vaccination programs, one in two primary-school children receives school meals, and almost every country includes education for health in its curriculum.

And yet, many children are missing out, especially in the poorest countries, and the reality on the ground is far from adequate. More must be done to enhance quality and reach to meet the needs of all learners.

73 million of the most marginalized children are not reached by school feeding, one in three schools do not have basic drinking water and adequate sanitation, and while correcting vision and hearing problems can make a significant difference to children’s education, only 1 in 4 countries provide eye and hearing tests.

Putting learners’ health and well-being at the center of the education agenda

At the Transforming Education Summit in September 2022, countries and partners committed to supporting the health, nutrition and psychosocial well-being of every learner. The commitment of governments is also seen by the success of the School Meals Coalition, which today counts more than 75 member states.

We must deliver on this pledge. We need more funding, and better policies. We need programs that are comprehensive, implemented at scale and sustained. We need programs that address gender equality and inclusion, and prioritize those most at risk of being left behind.

Strong partnerships, built on shared leadership across sectors, are critical to achieve these goals. UNESCO and the partners behind this report are committed to supporting governments to step up school health and nutrition, together, to unlock the potential of learners to thrive.

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Download Ready to learn and thrive: School health and nutrition around the world and the report highlights.