Background on Mario Delgado Carrillo and His Role
Mario Delgado Carrillo serves as the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Mexico. His current initiative focuses on the health and well-being of students across the nation, aligning with the national strategy “Vive saludable, vive feliz” promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
Details of the Health Check-up Initiative
During the 2025-2026 school year, Delgado Carrillo announced that 738 Health Brigades will visit more than 90,000 primary schools to assess students’ height, weight, dental health, and visual acuity. This initiative is the second phase of the national strategy “Vive saludable, vive feliz,” aiming to promote health and happiness among Mexican youth.
Brigade Composition and Collaboration
The Health Brigades consist of 8,118 specialists from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the Secretariat of Health, and the National System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF). These professionals collaborate with local health and education authorities in all 32 federal entities to conduct the assessments.
Scope of Health Assessments
In addition to evaluating students’ health, the brigades provide nutritional guidance and encourage physical activity within school communities. Each student’s health data is compiled in a Digital Health School File, developed by the IMSS and the Agency for Digital Transformation. Parents receive a digital manual with personalized recommendations based on their children’s assessments.
Addressing Health Concerns
Should the assessment report indicate issues such as overweight, obesity, low weight, or dental caries, students are referred to nearby health clinics for free medical attention.
Progress and Encouragement
Delgado Carrillo highlighted that over 350,000 students have already received medical attention through this initiative. He urged school communities to stay informed about brigade visitation schedules, ensuring smooth and authorized health assessments for their children.
National Strategy Goals
The Secretary of Education Publicly stated that President Sheinbaum Pardo has instructed schools to become hubs for health promotion and addiction prevention. The ambitious goal is to create the healthiest, strongest, and happiest generation in Mexico’s history.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the initiative about? The initiative, led by Mario Delgado Carrillo, aims to conduct comprehensive health assessments for over 90,000 primary schools in Mexico during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Who is involved in the assessments? The assessments are carried out by 8,118 specialists from IMSS, the Secretariat of Health, and DIF, collaborating with local health and education authorities.
- What aspects are evaluated during the assessments? Students’ height, weight, dental health, and visual acuity are evaluated. Nutritional guidance and physical activity promotion are also part of the initiative.
- What happens if health concerns are identified? Students facing issues like overweight, obesity, low weight, or dental caries are referred to nearby health clinics for free medical attention.
- How many students have been assessed so far? Over 350,000 students have received medical attention through this initiative.
- What is the overarching goal of the national strategy? The strategy aims to create the healthiest, strongest, and happiest generation in Mexico’s history.
