School wellness programme shifts into gear
The Gauteng Health Department has rolled out two new vehicles to enhance school health services in Tshwane, promising better access to vital screenings, vaccinations, and health education for learners.
In a bid to enhance learner health and well-being, the Gauteng Department of Health has strengthened its school health services by giving Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) teams in Tshwane two new vehicles.
The vehicles were officially handed over by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, at a ceremony held at Inxiweni Primary School at Tembisa in Ekurhuleni district on June 20.
According to the department, the vehicles will enable the programme to reach more learners with crucial health screenings, vaccinations, and health education.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to primary health care, particularly in townships, hostels, and informal settlements, where the need is greatest.
MEDIA STATEMENT || GAUTENG HEALTH HANDS OVER NEW VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES pic.twitter.com/46BjxQVQri
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) June 20, 2025
The MEC emphasised the department’s continued investment in learner health and well-being.
“This is more than a handover, it is a message to our young people that their health matters. We are taking services directly to schools, especially in underserved areas, to ensure every learner receives the care they need,” she said.
She said the handover comes at a critical time as the province responds to a growing measles outbreak.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the vehicles will assist ISHP teams in expanding vaccination campaigns and closing immunity gaps in schools and communities.
“These vehicles will help us reach more learners with life-saving vaccines. We must close the immunity gap and stop the spread of measles and rubella,” she explained.
The new fleet comprising seven branded Isuzu vans has been distributed to all five districts in the province, including Ekurhuleni (2), Johannesburg (1), Tshwane (2), Sedibeng (1), and West Rand (1).
Nkomo-Ralehoko said these join the seven vehicles delivered in 2024, expanding the ISHP fleet to 14.
In addition, she said the ISHP offers health screenings for hearing, vision, oral health, and mental well-being, as well as immunisations and health education.
“The programme plays a vital role in identifying and addressing health issues that may affect learning outcomes.”
David Manganyi, educator and departmental head at Inxiweni Primary School, explained how the programme has become an essential support system for schools.
“As educators, we are trained to deliver curriculum content, but when it comes to health-related challenges like speech or vision impairments, we need support, and that’s where the Integrated School Health Programme makes a real difference,” he said.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and this programme reminds them that education and health must go hand in hand to support the holistic development of every learner.”
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