IMPACT OF TEACHER TRAINING ON REDUCING COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Communicable diseases found a major problem among school going children universally, especially in low resource communities where insufficient WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) overcrowding, infrastructure and inadequate health awareness accelerate infection spread. As teachers are frontline health educators and have the potential to decrease these risks through organized training programs focused on hygiene promotion, early detection and infection prevention. This review highlights key training components which includes, infection prevention and control practices, hygiene promotion, WASH education, early identification of illness and health communication strategies. Findings show that teacher training improves student hygiene behaviors, reductions the prevalence of diarrheal and respiratory infections, improves school attendance, and supports overall learning environments. Structural limitations such as insufficient facilities, inadequate resources and limited professional growth opportunities, continue to restrict the full impact of school based health programs. The review also emphasizes the alignment of teacher training with global development significances, mainly Sustainable Development Goals #3 and #4, which advocate for improved child health and quality of education. Strengthening teacher capacity through organized, context appropriate training is important for building strong school systems and reducing communicable disease risks among children.