Singapore Expands Health Initiative to Preschoolers and Primary Students

An initiative aimed at promoting healthy habits among children in Singapore has been broadened to include preschoolers and additional primary school students. The Health Plan initiative, which began in January 2025, now extends to Kindergarten 1, Kindergarten 2, Primary 4, and Primary 5 students, as announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Education (MOE), and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on January 21.

Initially rolled out to students from Primary 1 to Primary 3, the program provides personalised health plans that incorporate lifestyle recommendations, health screening results, vaccination records, and referrals for further medical assistance. This expansion aims to reach approximately 80,000 Primary 4 and Primary 5 students starting from January.

Implementation in Preschools

The initiative will also be implemented in about 1,800 preschools by the end of the year, with a pilot program that began in July 2025, affecting around 840 students. Feedback from parents and preschool operators has been positive, underscoring the initiative’s potential for a nationwide rollout. The ministries emphasized that early childhood is crucial for developing preferences and habits that lay the groundwork for lifelong health.

Research conducted, including findings from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes study, suggests that cultivating healthy behaviours at a young age is most effective. The implementation in preschools will occur in phases starting in January, with personalised health plans tailored to children’s interests and habits. This data will be derived from annual health screenings and lifestyle questionnaires completed by parents.

To facilitate learning at home, parents will receive activity sheets designed to engage their children and reinforce healthy habits. Additionally, preschools will obtain a toolkit filled with resources to promote wellness within their environments.

Support for Primary School Students

The initiative’s expansion to include Primary 4 and Primary 5 students, initially announced during the MOE Committee of Supply debate last year, will also take effect in January as part of the schools’ health screening protocols. The ministries indicated that this strategy builds on previous efforts to encourage healthy behaviours throughout students’ educational journeys.

From 2027 onwards, schools will leverage the health plans previously provided to Primary 6 students, along with new resources for educators. This will support discussions regarding lifestyle choices aimed at maintaining healthy habits. These efforts will complement existing practices that communicate health messages through the school curriculum, including physical education and character education classes.

Launched as part of the Grow Well SG national health promotion strategy, the Health Plan initiative saw approximately 114,000 primary school students receive health plans last year. These plans focus on four key areas: being active, eating healthily, limiting screen time, and ensuring sufficient sleep.

The comprehensive approach reflects Singapore’s commitment to fostering a healthier future generation through early intervention and education, marking a significant step in public health policy.