A strong policy framework that supports school-based deworming is critical to the development of a systematic and sustainable national program. Endorsement by high-level officials from the relevant ministries enables effective action at all levels during the planning and implementation stages.

Key to the success of any school-based deworming program is the partnership between the Ministries of Education and Health. Key policy decisions to be made include the joint identification of roles and responsibilities for each element of the program.

Key Processes

1. Program objectives should be defined. This will provide the context for school-based deworming. They should support and build upon existing School Health and Nutrition strategy and policy.
2. Strategic partnership on school health and nutrition should be developed between the Ministries of Education and Health, as well as with other stake holders, such as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This should include mapping and coordinating any current activities.
3. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) should be drawn up between the Ministries of Education and Health to define their respective areas of program responsibility, according to ministerial roles and expertise. For example, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for safety of the medicines, and the Ministry of Education will be responsible for the training of teachers for mass school-based deworming.
4. A Joint Committee or Task Force should be formed to oversee and coordinate the processes, and take the program forward as a unified education and health endeavor.
5. The education sector plan, school health policy, and the health sector plan should all specify deworming through schools. If this is not the case, the documents should be reviewed to include school-based deworming. This will enable the approval of funding applications and allocation of funds for the program.