Health and immunisation

Guest lesson

This is a lesson from Unicef who run an annual Day for Change non-uniform day. The theme for 2006 is health and immunisation, with a particular focus on Niger and Madagascar. Teachers can receive a free education pack by following the link on the right.

3 February is Unicef's Day for Change 2006 - but schools can mark any day of their choosing.

Overview

Vaccines against childhood diseases are readily available in the UK but millions of children around the world don't have access to them, resulting in thousands of deaths and diseases.

Students research facts about Niger and Madagascar before reading a child's case study and answering questions about malaria prevention.

COUNTRY FACTS Click here for worksheet A Click here for worksheet B

Ice-breaker

Research African countries

In pairs, students find out about Niger or Madagascar by asking their partner question and filling in the blanks on their worksheet.

Each pair should have one A and one B worksheet.

Main activity

Preventing malaria

Read out Angeline's story to the class.

Her story and following questions are available as a printable worksheet.

ANGELINE'S STORY Click here for worksheet

Ask students:

1. What causes malaria?

2. How can it be prevented?

3. Have you ever been bitten by a mosquito? What happened?

4. Have you, or anyone you know, ever had malaria? What happened?

5. If you are travelling to a country that has malaria, what precautions can you take?

Extension activity

Staying healthy

Angeline says: "When I grow up, I would like to be a teacher, that way I can teach children to stay healthy."

Asks students:

• What do our bodies need to stay healthy? Nutritious food, water, exercise, sleep, good personal hygiene, check ups at the dentist etc.
• We can protect ourselves from some illnesses by having immunisations. What immunisations have you had? Where did you go? Did it hurt and was it worth the pain?

Students research how immunisations work

Vaccinations protect you by giving you only a tiny piece of a disease-causing germ. Your body responds to the vaccine by producing antibodies. These antibodies are a part of your immune system, and they can fight the disease if you ever come into contact with the germ. When the body is protected from a disease in this way, it's called being immune to an illness. Sometimes, you can still get a mild case of the illness, but it should not be serious.

Teachers background

Some Day for Change fundraising ideas

• Non uniform or fancy dress in return for a small donation
• Cake sale or taste and buy dishes from different countries
• Sponsored quiz
• Talent show with audience donations
• Sponsored exercise class
• Add an optional donation to the price of a school meal
• Sponsored treasure hunt
• Sponsored household chores

Curriculum relevance

National Curriculum. Citizenship. Key Stage 2.

2a. Research, discuss and debate topical issues, problems and events.
2h. Recognise the role of voluntary, community and pressure groups.
3a. What makes a healthy lifestyle, including that bacteria and viruses can affect health and that following simple, safe routines can reduce their spread.