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This toolkit provides policymakers at European, national, and sub-national levels with concise, evidence-based guidance to design, implement, and monitor policies that strengthen children's health and well-being.
Thematic areas for a healthy growth and development
- Mental health Supporting children's mental well-being and addressing their mental health challenges
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Healthy lifestyles Promoting nutrition, physical activity, and protection from harmful products
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Immunisation Ensuring equitable access to vaccination for all children
- Early childhood development Supporting children's development from birth through early childhood
Across Europe, not all children have the same opportunities to grow up healthy and thrive. Stronger and integrated systems needed to support every child from birth to adolescence to improve their mental health and well-being.
Early childhood is a critical window. The first years of life lay the foundations for health, development and well-being. Timely support can make a lasting difference, including in terms of adequate nutrition, immunisation early identification of developmental and health needs and support for parental and caregiver mental health. Early childhood interventions also connect naturally with wider areas of child health and well-being, highlighting the importance of coordinated support across sectors and services.
Adolescence represents another crucial period of rapid physical, emotional and social development. Alongside longstanding determinants of health and well-being, children and adolescents today are navigating increasingly complex digital environments. These experiences can influence identity, behaviour and mental health creating both new opportunities and new challenges for children, families and the systems that support them.
A comprehensive, preventive approach
Promoting children's health and well-being therefore calls for a comprehensive approach that looks beyond individual services or interventions. Quality healthcare, nutritious food in educational settings, family support, mental health and psychosocial support and other preventive measures need to form part of a broader ecosystem that nurtures children's physical, mental, emotional and social development.
Prioritising prevention is both an investment in children today and a strategic investment in the future. By identifying needs early, reducing barriers to support and strengthening the environments in which children can improve individual outcomes while reducing longer-term pressure on health and social systems Ultimately, stronger and better-integrated systems can help ensure that every child has the opportunity not only to be healthy, but to thrive.
REPORT
Gaps and inequities in child health across the European Union
This report examines the state of child health across EU — covering early development, immunisation, healthy lifestyles and mental health — and outlines the policy framework and next steps needed to close the gaps facing the most vulnerable children.
How would you like to use the toolkit?
Instantly search our complete directory on monitoring indices, policy briefs, scientific literature, regional datasets, and stakeholder engagement templates.
Applies across all four thematic areas
Roadmap for Meaningful Youth Consultation
A step-by-step guide to engaging young people in health policy development and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
© UNICEF/UNI423602/Htet
