The role of school health and nutrition programs in child development and reducing multidimensional child poverty in Iraq

Abstract

School health and nutrition programs are among the most prominent strategic tools for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030), including the first goal (eliminating poverty), the second goal (no hunger), and the fourth goal (ensuring quality education), which are adopted by governments and international organizations to promote human development and achieve social justice. They contribute to improving children's health, increasing enrollment rates in education, and raising the efficiency and level of academic achievement, which leads to improving human capital in the long term. In addition, these programs play a fundamental role in reducing poverty rates by reducing the economic and health burdens on poor families and enhancing opportunities for sustainable economic growth.