Feb 12, Kathmandu - Kathmandu Metropolitan City has announced the launch of a new initiative to promote health education among school children through a "Little Doctors" program. The program aims to foster health consciousness and empower students to become health ambassadors within their families and communities.

The pilot phase will kick off in four community schools, according to Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol. She emphasized that this approach is suitable for increasing health awareness and building confidence among children.

"Implementing this program should not feel like a burden to those involved. We must instill a sense of urgency and commitment to ensure its successful and sustainable execution," Dangol stated. She further added that, while results may take time, the program's impact will be positive. "We plan to expand this initiative from community schools to institutional schools after successful implementation."

Under this program, students will receive training on various health topics, transforming them into health ambassadors. The goal is to enhance health awareness among students, their families, and the wider community.

Dr. Dibas Neupane, Medical Officer at the Health Department, explained that the training covers five key areas: personal hygiene and sanitation, nutrition, lifestyle and non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance, first aid and safety, and mental health and leadership.

The program employs peer learning, practical demonstrations, role-playing, record-keeping, and monitoring as primary teaching methods.

Following a three-month classroom-based training, students will participate in group activities aimed at health promotion for the remaining nine months. Each health club will comprise 15 to 20 students, who will collaboratively work on health awareness projects.