Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
ALL is set for the launch of the O3 PLUS Phase II programme at the National University of Science and Technology today, with Government and key stakeholders expected to outline a new roadmap for student health and well-being.
The programme will be presided over by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Frederick Shava, who will be accompanied by his Deputy, Simelisizwe Sibanda, and the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube.
The new phase of the O3 PLUS programme seeks to institutionalise student health and well-being across higher and tertiary education institutions by building health-promoting campuses and strengthening campus-based health systems.
Key priorities include enhancing the capacity of campus health facilities to deliver youth-friendly services, creating safe and inclusive learning environments, and operationalising policies and response mechanisms to address Gender-based violence.
The programme will also focus on strengthening evidence-based approaches, digitising data management systems, and improving data-driven decision-making to support student health and welfare.
The launch comes at a time when sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing a significant demographic shift, with projections indicating that by 2050 the region will have about 561 million young people aged between 10 and 24. By 2063, youth are expected to make up half of Africa’s working-age population.
Authorities say this presents a major opportunity for economic growth and social transformation, provided investments are made in young people’s health, education and overall well-being.
