By acquiring health-related knowledge, values, skills, and practices, children can be empowered to pursue a healthy life and to work as change agents for community health. This report of the WHO Expert Committee on Comprehensive School Health Education and Promotion reviews the global state of school health; identifies opportunities for and barriers to strengthening school health programs at international, regional, district, and local levels; and makes recommendations to strengthen school health infrastructures and health promotion. Chapter 1 presents key themes of the report, such as what framework is needed to guide the process of health promotion, and what arguments can persuade policymakers of the benefits of investing in school health programs. Chapter 2, "Trends in School Health," identifies school health trends, discusses the school's role, and uses HIV/AIDS, nutrition and food safety, tobacco use, psychological problems, and malaria as examples of how change strategies can be used in a planning framework. Chapter 3, "Strengthening School Health Programmes at the International, National, and Local Levels," discusses barriers and change strategies common to all levels and unique to particular levels; presents examples of effective programs at national and local levels; and discusses implementation issues. Examples are presented of services related to health, water and sanitation, nutrition and food safety, psychological and social needs, health promotion for school personnel, health education, physical education, personnel training, and program coordination. Chapter 4, "Research on School Health Programmes," summarizes relevant research and identifies research priorities. Indicators are presented for planning and monitoring school health programs; and the relationship of health to school organization is discussed. Chapter 5 presents recommendations for effectively promoting health through schools and urges action to develop more fully the potential of future generations. Contains 138 references. (KB)