TOPIC 49. HEALTH OF CHILDREN BY AGE PERIODS: HEALTHCARE GOALS, ORGANISATION AND SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES
Core idea: Child health is not simply the absence of disease. It includes survival, physical growth, neurological and psychosocial development, emotional wellbeing, safety, learning and the ability to reach full developmental potential. Child healthcare must therefore be continuous, preventive, family-centred and adapted to each developmental stage.
Definition, importance and determinants of child health
Child health is the state of physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of an individual from birth through childhood and adolescence. It is a major public-health priority because health in early life determines survival, development, educational achievement and health in adulthood.
Why child health is a priority in social medicine
- Children are biologically and socially dependent on adults and cannot independently control many determinants of their health.
- Growth and development are rapid, especially during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood; adverse exposures during sensitive periods may cause long-lasting effects.
- Many childhood diseases and disabilities are preventable through immunisation, nutrition, safe environments, early detection and timely treatment.
- Child health reflects wider social conditions, including poverty, parental education, housing, sanitation, nutrition, access to healthcare and social protection.
- Investment in child health reduces future healthcare costs and improves population productivity, equity and human development.