Children suffering from toothache, intestinal worms and other preventable infections have difficulties concentrating, do not feel well and their school performance suffers. Addressing these diseases with simple, yet highly effective interventions, such as daily handwashing with soap, daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and bi-annual deworming as regular school activities reduces their disease burden significantly. 'Many countries are at risk to not reaching the health-related Millennium Development Goals', said Dr Asamoa-Baah, Deputy Director-General of the WHO in Geneva.  'It is thus important that simple, evidence-based interventions are implemented now and on a large scale using the schools as venues to reach all the children', added Dr Bella Monse.

The programme, which is the national flagship programme of the Philippine Department of Education, currently reaches one million children and will be scaled-up successively to cover 50% of all primary-school children within the coming two years. 'We are delighted and encouraged by this important international award, it is an honour and an obligation at the same time. We need to continue with even greater effort and commitment' confirmed Prof Vicente Belizario, Chairman of the Fit for School Inc board.

For more information about the award visit www.southsouthexpo.org <http://www.southsouthexpo.org>

For more information about Fit for School visit  www.fitforschool.ph