INTRODUCTION:
Governments are responsible for ensuring children’s rights, wellbeing and safety. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the right of every child to the highest attainable standard of health.(1) Despite the need to advocate for improved equitable access to healthcare, including integrated care to reduce inequality, only nine of 130 Public Health Associations (PHAs) globally have policies related to women, children, and youth.(2)

METHODS:
The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Women Children and Youth Working Group has developed a Children and Young People’s Health and Rights Policy to promote advocacy for these groups and reduce inequalities.(3) The working group membership comprises over 40 representatives from public health associations worldwide.

RESULTS:
Ensuring equitable access to health services is crucial for achieving health equity. Strengthening primary healthcare and educating communities about preventive health measures, such as vaccination, is crucial. Governments should invest in early intervention and prevention strategies to address mental health issues and trauma in children and young people. Adequate resourcing and integration of child protection, family support, and welfare services are essential to promote children’s rights and break cycles of disadvantage. Policy, research, and program development support should involve co-design and participatory approaches. Addressing inequities faced by Indigenous children requires a focus on self-determination and cultural respect. Children should be recognised as active participants in decisions affecting them, with their voices heard and respected.

CONCLUSIONS:
Governments should uphold children and young people’s rights, promote safety, and mitigate poverty, inequality, and discrimination. There is a need to progress policy and advocacy action for these population groups. The WFPHA policy provides a global tool for advocacy to reduce inequality within and among countries.