Greece has undertaken a substantive initiative by prioritising the health and well-being of its youth through the unveiling of a national action plan against childhood obesity. The Plan developed collaboratively between the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, was publicly presented during a launch event on November 18, 2023, at the Pezapion Hall in Athens. Notably, the occasion was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighting the significance and governmental commitment to addressing this critical health issue.
The National Action Plan against Childhood Obesity represents a comprehensive initiative encompassing targeted interventions across primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels. These interventions span across various settings, including schools, health services, and the broader community, addressing all children aged 0-17 years and their families. Embracing a holistic approach and employing specially crafted tools, the plan aims to develop a cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary, and multi-level program to reshape the environments contributing to obesity. The Plan envisages reforms geared towards promoting a healthy lifestyle among children, notably by enhancing access to nutritious food in school canteens and integrating nutrition and physical activity education programs. Early detection of childhood overweight and obesity will be facilitated through digital applications, enabling prompt and free holistic support from specialists.
PREVENT, a project dedicated to enhancing primary cancer prevention with a focus on combating obesity, aligns itself with Greece’s National Action Programme on Childhood Obesity. On February 2, 2024, representatives of PREVENT convened with counterparts from the Greek Ministry of Health and UNICEF to delineate innovative collaborative approaches spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. This concerted effort is specifically targeted at children aged 0-17 and their families.
The synergy between the Greek National Action Program and PREVENT assumes paramount importance for multiple reasons. The Greek National Action Program can harness the research findings of PREVENT, utilising them to discern and surmount gaps and obstacles in the implementation of effective strategies against childhood obesity. This collaboration transcends national boundaries, providing insights and solutions that resonate at the European level.
The mutual recognition of the potential for synergy has been met with enthusiasm from all stakeholders involved. This collaboration signifies a unique opportunity to pool resources, knowledge, and research efforts, ultimately amplifying the impact of both programs. Through this joint effort, the Greek National Action Program and PREVENT contribute to a collective endeavour aimed at preventing and mitigating the consequences of childhood obesity, not only within Greece but also on a broader European canvas. This collaborative approach exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing public health and underscores the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in confronting intricate health challenges.
PREVENT could benefit from this synergy in terms of upscaling and largely adopting the improved new evidence-based policies addressing childhood obesity.
