What is child public health?

Summary 

The evidence linking childhood social and economic disadvantage with poor child health and later poor adult health is now robust. Improving the health of the population and, in particular, reducing inequalities in health requires early intervention targeted at children, young people and their families.

Wider determinants impacting negatively on health include poverty, poor educational attainment, unemployment and poor housing. Most of these factors will impact on and through children and families. It is against this background that the individual has the capacity to make informed lifestyle choices.

Child public health action can be defined as: (1) action at policy, organization and local level to improve the overall health of children and young people; (2) action at policy, organization and local level to reduce inequalities in the health of children and young people; and (3) advocating for the rights of children and young people.

Keywords: Child health, Public health, Health inequalities