The CERMES Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to the intersection of health and education, has launched its 2026 outreach calendar with a high-impact health
seminar for over 400 pupils at the Old Lashibi Basic School.
The program, dubbed "Let’s Talk Health," aims to tackle the high rates of school absenteeism caused by preventable communicable diseases. By targeting basic schools, the foundation is betting on the "multiplier effect"—where children take life-saving hygiene habits back to their parents and wider communities.
1. Decoding the Developing Immune System
Miss Magdalene Arthur-Moses, a Physician Assistant from Shalom Medical Centre, provided the pupils with a reassuring yet firm perspective on their health.
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The "Normal" Frequency: She explained that it is common for children to fall ill 7 to 8 times a year.
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Biology, Not Weakness: She clarified that this is a result of a developing immune system rather than inherent weakness.
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The "Classroom Greenhouse": Constant close contact in schools creates a "perfect storm" for infections, making intentional habits a necessity rather than an option.
2. Practical Prevention: The "Cough Rhyme"
To ensure the lessons stuck, the session utilized mnemonic devices and practical demonstrations. A highlight of the day was a catchy rhyme designed to teach coughing etiquette:
"If I want to cough, I use my handkerchief, I use my nose mask, or I cough into my hands (the elbow)."
The "Three Pillars" of School Health:
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Personal Hygiene: Regular handwashing and proper disposal of waste.
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Nutritional Safety: Consuming only uncontaminated, nutritious meals.
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Early Reporting: Encouraging children to speak up immediately when they feel "different" to prevent an outbreak.
3. Reducing the "Economic Strain" of Illness
Ms. Ernestina Antwi-Boasiako, Administrator of CERMES Foundation, highlighted the hidden costs of preventable diseases.
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Learning Setbacks: Thousands of instructional hours are lost annually when children are bedridden.
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Financial Burden: Frequent hospital visits for preventable ailments drain the resources of low-income families.
4. A Rights-Based Approach to Health
The Foundation believes that preventive healthcare is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of their socio-economic background. By investing in basic schools in the Tema West Municipality, they are creating a first line of defense that protects both the child and the national healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
The Bottom Line
The CERMES Foundation’s visit to Old Lashibi is just the beginning. As the first in a series of planned outreaches for 2026, the "Let's Talk Health" initiative is turning school pupils into "health ambassadors" who are equipped to fight the invisible battles of the classroom.
