Child and adolescent health
Most children and adolescents in the WHO European Region enjoy a high standard of health and well-being. However, disparities in child health between and within countries persist. The Region includes countries with the lowest infant and child mortality rates in the world, but mortality in countries with the highest rate for children under 5 years is 25 times higher than that in countries with the lowest rate. Every year more than 160 000 children in the European Region die before the age of five, 50% of them in the first month of life.
Read moreTop story
Feeling low in adolescence
About half of all mental health problems in adulthood have their onset during or before adolescence. Improving resilience to mental illness among young people is very important, as poor mental health in adolescence is linked to unemployment, crime, increased rates of smoking, drug use, obesity and future mental ill health. Support and early interventions designed to promote well-being are key to building such resilience.
News
- Parliament in Estonia approves legislation taxing soft drinks
- WHO supports Poland in fighting childhood obesity
- Nordic and Baltic countries gather to discuss intersectoral action to prevent child maltreatment
In countries
Data and statistics
Over 160 000 children in the European Region die before the age of five every year, 50% of them in the first month of life.
Read moreHealth Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study
Growing up unequal: gender and socioeconomic differences in young people's health and well-being. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study: international report from the 2013/2014 survey
Read more
