Since Jomtien, a significant amount of research has been conducted concerning the effectiveness of school health interventions, and the interrelationships among health, cognition, school participation, and academic achievement. Health and nutrition status affect enrollment, retention and absenteeism. Health promotion for teachers benefits their health, morale, and quality of instruction. Treating youngsters in school can reduce disease in the community. Multiple, coordinated strategies produce a greater effect than individual strategies, but multiple strategies for any one audience must be selective and targeted.
Health education is most effective when using interactive methods in a skills-based approach.
Trained teachers produce more significant outcomes in student health knowledge and skills than untrained teachers. The forthcoming decade promises great progress in strengthening the links between health and education. Major suggestions are offered for the future which emphasize the development of a shared vision, a commitment to act, a pledge to work collaboratively and the importance of a global effort to share and acquire information. To be successful, school health, hygiene and nutrition efforts must be led by educators, with support and assistance from health professionals, and made an integral part of efforts to improve education through educational policies and goals. We must continue to deepen and expand collaboration, especially between the education and health sectors, with mechanisms that sustain and nurture joint planning, action, and learning together over time.