Assessing healthcare accessibility and quality for Namibian learners under the National School Health Programme
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Namibia Educational Reform Forum Journal
Abstract
This study delved into the intricate landscape of analysing the National School Health Policy in
Namibia. By gathering data from the Khomas, Oshana, and Kavango regions, this research analysed
the perspectives of various stakeholders on the execution of the policy. Foucault’s theory of Power
Relations and Talcott Parson’s Social Action provided the appropriate theoretical conceptual tools to
unearth inequalities in the health policy implementation in Namibia. Power was considered a system
that was used to suppress learners from accessing quality health care. Methodologically, a mixed
approach was employed to unearth gaps in the challenges and successes of implementing the National
School Health Policy. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the study highlighted the
scarcity of essential resources and personnel dedicated to school health programmes, leading to
potential gaps in health service provision. The prevalent inequalities in the health sector emerged when
learners were insufficiently informed about their entitlements to medical care accessibility within the
school premises. Generally, there was a positive attitude toward the policy's implementation evidence
among stakeholders. Nevertheless, despite this attitude, inadequate accessibility of health care services
among learners was rampant in Namibia. Nonetheless, areas necessitating increased attention became
apparent, such as enhancing awareness across all groups involved in school health initiatives and to
pave the way for enhanced effectiveness, strategic recommendations were proposed such as addressing
the communication ambiguities. These included the enhancement of communication channels between
educators, administrators, and parents, ensuring ample availability of resources and personnel,
including an adequate number of trained nurses, with requisite governmental support. Moreover,
tackling barriers stemming from geographical distances or financial constraints that limit healthcare
access emerged as a crucial facet of policy improvement
Description
The programme aims
to promote healthy habits and lifestyles among
primary and secondary school learners, which
helps them grow into healthy adults.
Keywords
National School Health Policy, Stakeholders, Implementation, Healthcare accessibility, Resource constraints, Namibia, University of Namibia