Health in all policies: Promoting and sustaining child health

The future of humanity depends on what is done now to promote and sustain child health.  Article 3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) proclaimed “In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.”  By 2050, there is estimated to be more than 2.6 billion children under the age of 18 years (UNICEF, 2014). Our future world will be shaped by their energy and enthusiasm provided they have the likelihood and opportunity to unleash their imagination and creativity. To realize their full potential, it is essential that children of the world grow up in an environment that provides them freedom, peace, food, shelter, play, education, health, and future economic opportunities. Health is central to personal development, productivity, and prosperity. But how can this collective vision be translated to reality?  Health in all policies (HiAP) approach is a timely framework for addressing the web of social determinants that impact child health and equity globally. Through an ecological approach, the pathways for dealing with these complex, interwoven social determinants are addressed to promote and sustain the health of children in different populations. Strategies to facilitate inclusion of HiAP in varied settings are highlighted along with how best to address the likely barriers that might derail these efforts.