The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released the 6th edition of “Staying Healthy: Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services”—a leading resource designed to help education and care services minimize the spread of infectious diseases among children.
Children are highly susceptible to infections, which are often more prevalent in education and care settings compared to home environments where they encounter fewer people. By adhering to best practices and maintaining high hygiene standards, these settings can significantly reduce disease transmission and promote healthier practices.
Launched by The Hon Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, at Annie Dennis Children’s Centre in Melbourne on August 9, 2024, “Staying Healthy” aims to guide education and care staff in modeling effective infection prevention and control. Kearney emphasized the importance of this guide in protecting children from various illnesses, from stomach bugs to flu and COVID-19.
“Staying Healthy exemplifies the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to improving childhood health, supporting early childhood workers, and investing in better health outcomes for young Australians and their families,” said Assistant Minister Kearney.
At the launch, Kearney was joined by members of the Staying Healthy Advisory Committee, led by Professor Christopher Blyth, a paediatric infectious diseases physician. The Committee, comprised of experts in child health, infectious disease, microbiology, public health, general practice, environmental health, and early childhood education administration, oversaw the update of the guidelines.
The 6th edition of “Staying Healthy”integrates new evidence and insights gathered over the past decade. While core practices remain consistent with previous editions, the updated guidelines include expanded and refined recommendations based on recent research.
The new edition features five key practice recommendations addressing specific issues, which should be reviewed along with the detailed information and advice provided. It also incorporates updated real-life scenarios to align with new guidance and aids in implementing the recommendations. Additional fact sheets on symptoms and diseases have been added in response to community feedback and inquiries about the previous edition.
Professor Blyth highlighted that “Staying Healthy” has served as a vital resource for the early childhood education sector for 30 years, offering crucial guidance on infection control and prevention.
Read More: Click Here
