Madrid (EFE).- The Minister of Health, José Miñones, has defended the protection of children and youth, especially with regard to obesity, mental health and HIV, “health priorities” during the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), which starts this Saturday.
Miñones has advocated continuing to work to guarantee the right to a healthy life and promote well-being at all ages, specifically, of children and adolescents, also in compliance with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. .
Program “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 for the Reduction of Childhood Obesity (2022-2030).
Said programme, already implemented in educational centers in five autonomous communities, is a project aimed at boys and girls from 6 to 11 years of age and their families, through physical activity, healthy eating, emotional well-being and rest, and to energize the courtyards of educational or socio-educational centers during non-school hours.
The minister has also highlighted other initiatives to promote healthy habits and environments, such as the rehabilitation plans and the creation of spaces for the promotion of health that have been developed since 2021 thanks to the Spanish Network of Healthy Cities.
Regarding mental health care, Miñones highlighted the update of the Mental Health Strategy 2022-2026, and the Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2024, budgeted with up to 100 million euros and measures such as the launch of the 024 telephone service for suicidal behaviour.