Children's health in Europe - challenges for the next decades

These reflections from a Child Public Health perspective underline the dramatic changes in children's conditions in Europe over this last century, including a considerable improvement in health. However, we still face problems, disturbing facts and alarming signs. There are important gaps in our knowledge about essential areas of children's health panorama and about particularly vulnerable subgroups of children, which are less healthy, less well cared for and not enjoying the good conditions of life. We also see an evident lack of the child's perspective, implying acknowledgement and action on the views of the children themselves. Moreover, in spite of the generally improving standard, societal inequity in economy, education and health is increasing and the recent economic crises have struck hard on families with children. There are many good signs implying continuing progress for children and their conditions and also an improved respect for their rights. But with the increasing segregation in our societies, the risk is imminent that the health problems will increase, and that some groups get left far behind. Although actions on this field are primarily a political responsibility, people working with children can make a difference. There are also many examples of projects, particularly on local levels, where professionals act to promote children's health, prevent their ill-health and facilitate their health behaviour, rather than to repair their diseases. Children's particular needs and protection is now generally accepted, and the growing concern for their rights opens a window to the future for a more powerful child health advocacy.