PARENTS and guardians of Year 1 nursery children in Region One are being urged to ensure their children attend scheduled health screenings this month as the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Mount Sinai, rolls out its School Health Nursery Screening programme.
The initiative is designed to detect potential health concerns among young learners at an early stage, allowing for timely medical intervention and supporting healthier starts to their formal education.
Health officials have highlighted the importance of early health assessments in identifying conditions that could affect children’s development and learning, while helping to reduce disparities in access to healthcare across regional communities.
Screening teams will be stationed at health facilities across the Mabaruma and Moruca sub-districts throughout August.
In the Mabaruma Sub-District, screenings will be conducted at Hotoquai Health Post every Monday — August 3, 10, 17 and 24 — and at Mabaruma MCH/MRH every Wednesday, on August 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Bumbury, Wauna, Whiter Water Poly Clinic, Kamwatta, Corosima and Yarakita health posts will each host screenings every Thursday, on August 6, 13, 20 and 27. Hosororo Health Post will conduct screenings every Friday, on August 7, 14, 21 and 28.
In the Moruca Sub-District, Manawarin Health Post is scheduled to conduct screenings on August 3, 10, 17 and 24, while Karaburi Health Post has already offered the service on August 4 and 11.
Haimaracabra Health Post will conduct screenings on August 4, 18 and 25, while Wallaba Health Post is scheduled for August 4, 11, 18 and 25.
Screenings at Kwebana Health Centre will be held on August 5, 24 and 28, while Waramuri Health Centre will accommodate children on August 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Warapoka Health Post will host screenings on August 5, 7, 12 and 26, while Koko Health Post is scheduled for August 6 and 26.
The Kumaka District Hospital MCD Department will conduct screenings on August 7, 14, 21 and 28. Kamwatta Health Post will offer screenings on August 12 and 19.
Parents and guardians have been advised to contact their local health posts to confirm specific operating hours and ensure their Year 1 nursery children attend on the designated dates.
The Ministry is encouraging participation as the programme seeks to strengthen preventive healthcare and ensure that health issues affecting young children are identified and addressed as early as possible.