Titled “A healthy start for a healthy life: a strategy for child and adolescent health and well-being in the WHO European Region 2026–2030” and developed jointly with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the framework sets a clear vision for a region where every child and adolescent can grow, learn and thrive in good health – physically, mentally and socially.

 

Adopted at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen, the strategy is the result of extensive consultation with governments, experts, civil society and young people themselves. It aims to tackle long-standing inequities in child and adolescent health and to respond to new challenges – from mental health and digital risks to the impacts of poverty, climate change, and conflict on young lives.

 

“This strategy is about fairness and future,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “Every child deserves a healthy start and every adolescent deserves the chance to reach their full potential. By investing in health, protection and participation early in life, we are investing in stronger, more resilient societies for generations to come.”

 

The new strategy calls on countries to strengthen health systems and social policies that support children and families from the very beginning. It urges governments to ensure accessible and inclusive maternity services, promote early childhood development and preventive health care, and provide comprehensive and high-quality services tailored to the specific needs of children and adolescents.

 

It also emphasizes the importance of protecting children from harm, including exposure to violence, commercial exploitation, unhealthy products and the potential negative effects of social media. Creating safe physical, social and digital environments is a central pillar of the plan.