CSOs call for school health budget dashboard

LUSAKA – A coalition of Zambian civil society organisations dedicated to school health has issued a compelling call to the government for the immediate establishment of a School Health Budget Tracking and Accountability Dashboard. The National Civil Society Organisation Coalition on School Health argues that such a digital platform is crucial for guaranteeing the prudent and effective utilisation of public funds earmarked for the health and well-being of students nationwide. The proposed dashboard would serve as a vital tool for transparency, allowing various stakeholders, including parents, educators, civil society, and even students themselves, to monitor how resources allocated to school health programmes are being spent. This move comes amidst growing concerns over accountability in public expenditure and the critical importance of ensuring that health interventions in schools, ranging from sanitation and hygiene to nutrition and disease prevention, are adequately funded and implemented. Currently, the allocation and expenditure of funds for school health initiatives often lack a centralised, easily accessible monitoring system. This opacity can lead to inefficiencies, misallocation of resources, and ultimately, a failure to achieve desired health outcomes for the millions of Zambian children attending both primary and secondary schools. The Coalition believes that a robust, real-time dashboard would not only deter potential misuse of funds but also highlight areas where additional investment or improved strategies are needed. Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, a representative emphasised that the dashboard would foster greater public trust and participation in the governance of school health. "Our children's health is paramount to their educational success and future productivity," the representative stated. "By making budget information transparent and accessible, we can collectively ensure that every Kwacha allocated to school health translates into tang