On January 8, 2025, the European Commission and UNICEF announced a new three-year partnership to improve mental and physical children health outcomes across 29 European countries, including EU Member States, Iceland, and Norway.
The partnership, titled Promoting a Comprehensive, Prevention-Oriented Approach to Children’s Health, aims to address critical health challenges such as low vaccination rates, rising mental health issues, childhood obesity, and increasing vaping and alcohol use among children.
Perspective of the initiative – improve children health
The initiative will strengthen health policies for children and adolescents through a comprehensive Toolkit for Child and Adolescent Health and Mental Wellbeing Promotion. This toolkit will help policymakers promote healthy lifestyles, early childhood development, immunization, mental health, and protection from harmful products like tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy foods.
Sandra Gallina, Director-General of Health and Food Safety at the European Commission, stated, “Investments in children’s health and well-being are central to building a strong European Health Union.” Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director, emphasized, “This partnership addresses pressing challenges, ensuring every child grows up healthy and reaches their full potential.”
The €2 million project, funded under the EU4Health programme, aligns with key EU health strategies such as the Healthier Together Initiative, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and recommendations on smoke- and aerosol-free environments.
This partnership aims to map gaps in existing health policies, identify barriers to positive outcomes, and share best practices among nations. The overarching goal is to create a healthier future for Europe’s children.
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