The National Center for Information and Research on the Bedouin Society in the Negev convened a roundtable discussion at the Rahat Community Center. Participants included professionals from health funds (HMOs), Ministry of Education supervisors, and representatives from local authorities and civil society.
The meeting focused on the findings of the Center’s recent health study, specifically examining the prevalence of obesity and diabetes within schools in the urban Bedouin community.
To address these challenges systemically, the participants outlined a multi-level action plan:
- Engaging Local Authorities: Advocating for the promotion of healthy eating environments within school premises.
- Professional Development: Coordinating with the Ministry of Education to provide specialized training for 1st-grade teachers on nutrition and the integration of physical activity.
- Incentivizing Excellence: Establishing a recognition award for leading schools that successfully implement healthy eating programs, based on formal Ministry of Education criteria.
- Expanding Healthcare Services: Petitioning the Ministry of Health to bolster school health services by recruiting additional school nurses.
- Policy Advocacy: Drafting a policy paper to request the inclusion of weight-
reduction medications in the National Health Basket.