The European Public Health Association (EUPHA) and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a two-year strategic partnership to strengthen child and adolescent health through evidence-informed policies, public health workforce development, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration.
The agreement brings together EUPHA’s extensive scientific and professional network and UNICEF’s expertise in advocacy, implementation, and child rights. The partnership aims to support healthier futures for children and adolescents by promoting equitable, preventive, and holistic approaches to health across the European Union and beyond.
Shared vision for child and adolescent health
At the heart of the collaboration is a shared commitment to improving the physical and mental health of children and young people while addressing the broader social, environmental, and commercial determinants that influence their wellbeing.
The partnership seeks to strengthen evidence-based policies and community action, encourage a shift from reactive healthcare models towards prevention and health promotion, and reinforce public health systems and primary health care services. It also aims to foster coordinated action across sectors including health, education, and social protection, creating supportive environments in which children can thrive.
By working together, EUPHA and UNICEF will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and advance equitable health outcomes for children and adolescents across Europe and Central Asia.
Key areas of collaboration
The partnership will focus on the following priority areas:
- Mental Health of Children and Adolescents
- Nutrition and commercial determinants of health
- Immunisation
- Life-course, Healthy Cities and the EU Cardiovascular plan
- Advance Public Health Systems in Central Asia
- Strengthening Public Health Workforce and Primary Health Care (PHC) including community Public Health workers, (i.e. in Nurse visiting)
- Strengthening institutional and professional capacity in public health education and leadership, with a particular focus on Public Health Diplomacy.
Joint activities and knowledge exchange
Over the coming two years, EUPHA and UNICEF will collaborate on a range of initiatives designed to strengthen knowledge sharing, advocacy, and capacity building.
Planned activities include joint advocacy during European Public Health Week, collaboration at European Public Health Conferences in Bilbao in 2026 and Belgrade in 2027, webinars and policy dialogues, participation in each other’s meetings and events, and exploration of a regional public health conference in Central Asia.
The partnership will also encourage collaboration within European Union-funded projects and strengthen connections between EUPHAnxt and UNICEF youth networks, ensuring that young people have opportunities to contribute to public health discussions and action.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between the public health and child rights communities. By combining expertise, networks, and advocacy efforts, EUPHA and UNICEF aim to advance healthier, more equitable futures for children and adolescents throughout Europe and Central Asia.
