Entitled Public health action for healthier children and populations, the 2005 report adresses major health issues facing the European region and in particular its children.
Recognising the challenges posed by the widening health inequalities between states in the European region, the WHO underlines the importance of good health as a key to social and economic development.
Further the WHO particularly focuses on children’s health as crucial in establishing healthy life patterns, enhance social and economic development and hence reducing the level of inequality found in Europe.
The report summarises the key health issues facing children in Europe as well as suggesting policy responses and best practices to address these issues. The authors particularly point out that national and European responses should follow the four guiding principles of the European strategy for child and adolescent health and development:
equity;
intersectoral action;
involvement of the public and young people in the planning, delivery and monitoring of policies and services;
and a life-course approach.
