On Thursday, Greece’s Ministry of Health and UNICEF entered into a significant agreement aimed at enhancing family and child health across the nation.
The agreement, signed as part of the National Public Health Prevention Programme “Spyros Doxiadis,” was endorsed by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, Alternate Health Minister Irini Agapidaki, and UNICEF Representative in Greece Ghassan Khalil.
Funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative and the “Greece 2.0” Strategic Plan, this collaborative programme will be spearheaded by the Health Ministry with technical support from UNICEF Hellas. The initiative will also involve key contributions from pediatric societies, pediatricians’ associations, academia, civil society organisations, and research centres, ensuring a comprehensive and informed approach.
Health Minister Georgiadis emphasised the importance of early education and awareness in tackling the multi-faceted challenge of young people’s mental health. “This agreement represents a crucial step in developing educational programs that promote family and child health at a national level,” he stated.
Alternate Minister Agapidaki highlighted the opportunity to apply internationally proven practices through this agreement, reinforcing the government’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for every child and family in Greece.
UNICEF Hellas Representative Khalil underscored the focus of this partnership on public health interventions that address key factors impacting children’s mental health. The programme will target three specific groups: children, by supporting pediatricians in developmental screenings and referrals; adolescent girls, through efforts to destigmatise menstruation; and young adults aged 17-24, with initiatives to address self-destructive behaviors and violence.
This collaboration marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Greece’s Ministry of Health and UNICEF, dedicated to fostering the well-being of the country’s youngest citizens.