Childhood obesity and mental health, a priority in the Spanish Presidency of the European Union

Madrid (EFE). – The Minister of Health, José Menones, has defended the protection of children and young people, particularly with regard to obesity, mental health and HIV, which are “health priorities” during the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), which begins on Saturday.

Miñones called for continuing work to guarantee the right to a healthy life and to promote well-being at all ages, specifically for children and adolescents, also in line with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. ..

Open Patios-En Plan Bien

In this context, the Minister highlighted the “Patios Abiertos-En Plan Bien” program, as part of the National Strategic Plan to Reduce Childhood Obesity (2022-2030).

The Happy Program, which has already been implemented in educational centers in five autonomous communities, is a project that targets boys and girls from 6 to 11 years of age and their families, through physical activity, healthy eating, emotional well-being and rest, and energizing the courtyards of educational or social educational centers during off-hours School hours.

The Minister also highlighted other initiatives to promote healthy habits and environments, such as rehabilitation plans and the creation of spaces to promote health that have been developed since 2021 thanks to the Spanish Network of Healthy Cities.

In terms of mental health care, Menones highlighted the update of the Mental Health Strategy 2022-2026, the Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2024, which has a budget of €100 million and measures such as the launch of the 024 telephone service for suicidal behaviour.