Book excerpt: WHO has long recognized the link between health and education and the potential for schools to play a central role in safeguarding student health and well-being. In 1995, WHO launched the Global School Health Initiative, which aimed to strengthen approaches to health promotion in schools. This WHO guideline on school health services will contribute to the creation of a common language around school health services, will promote evidence-based care through its menu of interventions, will strengthen school nursing and school health professions around the world, and ultimately will improve the health of children.