US-based scientist Dr. Mehra, India’s National Representative for the UNESCO Chair in Global Health & Education, discusses the importance of school health education at a media workshop
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
With deteriorating air quality posing significant health risks to children across Northern India, the need for preventive health education is more critical than ever. Dr. Rahul Mehra, India’s National Representative for the UNESCO Chair in Global Health & Education, emphasized Haryana’s potential to lead in addressing this challenge by implementing mandatory health education in schools.
“I believe health education should be compulsory for children during their formative years, and our initial pilot results are promising,” said Dr. Mehra. At a media workshop in Chandigarh hosted by Tarang Health Alliance and Fijeeha, Dr. Mehra called for a statewide policy to make health education a priority in Haryana schools. “Children in Haryana deserve the same clean air as those in cities like Chicago, where AQI levels rarely exceed 50,” he said. “For youth here, facing daily pollution levels over 350 AQI, preventive health education is vital in reducing long-term health impacts and empowering informed choices.”