Evaluating public policy regarding the concept of healthy schools in Colombia: the formulation phase (1999-2006)

Evaluating public policy formulation regarding the concept of healthy schools in Colombia, 1999 to 2006. This study involved qualitative research aimed at analysing the cycle of public policy. The main strategies used were collecting information, a documental review of secondary sources and holding semi-structured interviews (primary source). Thematic content was analysed. Two moments were identified regarding the formulation of policy or guidelines for the "Healthy schools in Colombia" strategy. The first was related to the publication of a document entitled, "A healthy school: the joy of living in peace," whose content was aimed at presenting national guidelines for implementing such policy whilst the second (following the enactment of the United Nations' Millennium Declaration) was an attempt at promoting housing and healthcare policy. The results were seen in terms of categories for integrating information regarding standards, observing pertinent actors, relationships, problems, objectives, lines of action and time-lines regarding policy and decision-making time-frames. The idea of a healthy school has not been a priority in the Colombian state's public policy, in spite of having been a state commitment in line with PAHO/WHO's stated policy, commitments promised by high officials during international meetings and representing a crucial strategy for achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG).