Embedding Child Health Promotion and Preventive Care Within Primary Health Care: From Agenda to Action

Embedding behaviours that support adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, sufficient physical activity and reduced sedentary time are key health promotion and preventive care goals to support childhood growth, health and development. In Australia, the National Action Plan for the Health of Children and Young People 2020–2030, the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030 and Australia's Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022–2032 all support a stronger health system focused on promoting wellbeing [1-3] as well as treating illness.

Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurses (MCFHNs) and general practitioners (GPs) are amongst the most commonly consulted Primary Health Care (PHC) providers for Australian children [4]. Furthermore, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners are also important providers of PHC to First Nations children. Health promotion and the provision of preventive care are critical components of MCFHNs', GPs' and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners' scope of practice [5-8]. Additionally, Australian MCFHNs and GPs acknowledge the important role of paediatric health promotion and preventive care activities in their service setting.