THE Department of Education teamed up with the Department of Health to address the pressing health concerns of learners.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa pledged to tackle health issues directly affecting school-aged children, recognizing that physical health and mental well-being are crucial for effective learning and long-term academic success.

Officials of the two agencies discussed a range of critical concerns, including the clustering of Influenza-like illnesses in schools and reported HIV/AIDS cases among school-aged children.

Teenage pregnancies, mental wellness and other factors that significantly impact the overall development of learners were also tackled.

“Efforts will also be made to raise awareness, provide accurate information, and implement preventive programs to combat the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS among school-aged children,” the DepEd said.