The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) in Qatar seeks to provide a healthy and safe learning environment through an integrated school health services system. This system aims to promote the health of students and school staff through diverse programs, including health education, preventive services, and direct healthcare, ensuring protection against infectious diseases and maintaining overall school community health.

In this regard, Buthaina Abdu Allah Al Naqeeb, School Health Supervisor in PHCC’s School Health Services and Programs, explains that health education forms the cornerstone of these efforts. Programs and workshops are conducted for students, teachers, and parents throughout the year, including lectures, competitions, awareness materials, and practical lessons. Student health groups are also established under the supervision of school nurses, contributing to raising students’ health awareness and equipping them with the skills necessary for personal and community prevention.

Infectious Diseases in Schools

Al Naqeeb adds: “Regarding the management of infectious diseases in schools, procedures begin with health education for students, parents, and staff on preventive methods. This is followed by isolating the infected case in a suitable area within the school, notifying the school administration and the school health supervisor. The student’s health data is recorded in an electronic file and referred to the health center for appropriate care, with the parent notified to ensure follow-up. Classrooms are ventilated and disinfected regularly according to infection control protocols, while personal hygiene is promoted among students—from handwashing to covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Close contacts of the infected student are monitored, and health awareness is provided to them and their families. All preventive measures aim to protect students and limit the spread of disease, ensuring the safe continuation of the educational process.”

The Role of Parents

Al Naqeeb emphasizes that parents play a key role in preventing infectious diseases. This starts with daily health monitoring, observing any symptoms before sending the child to school, and ensuring completion of the basic vaccination schedule and booster doses. It also includes promoting healthy habits such as regular handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items, supporting immunity through good nutrition and sufficient sleep. Immediate communication with the school if a child contracts an infectious disease is crucial, alongside educating children on the basics of prevention and how to protect themselves and their peers.

At home, it is recommended to isolate the infected child in a separate room and limit contact with others, follow the doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and isolation periods, and regularly clean surfaces and wash hands for all family members. Prevention methods vary depending on the mode of disease transmission, whether through contact, droplets, airborne particles, or body fluids, with the use of masks or gloves when necessary and ensuring proper ventilation of rooms.

In conclusion, the School Health Department at PHCC emphasizes that prevention is a shared responsibility between families, schools, and the community. By adhering to simple yet important measures and prioritizing health education, students can be protected from infectious diseases, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment that supports their learning and development in a proper and sustainable manner.