A Symposium on “Child and adolescent health in Europe” was held in Rome on September 28^th 2006,
organized by UNEPSA and by the Italian Society of Paediatrics

The President of UNEPSA, Armido Rubino welcomed the representatives of the Paediatric Societies of 24 European Countries, the members of the UNEPSA Executive Committee as well as the other participants.

Two introductory lectures followed:

First Armido Rubino introduced Rita Levi-Montalcini (who was awarded by Nobel price in 1986 and is a well known internationally recognized expert in neurosciences). She gave the lecture: “Infancy: unexplored potentials”.

The next lecture was presented by Roberto Bertollini, Director Special Programme on Health and Environment, WHO, Regional Office for Europe: „ Challenges and opportunities for child and adolescent health in Europe”
A few thoughts of his lecture:
There are persistent differences in childhood mortality (<5yrs) in different regions (between East and West, North and South). There are regional priorities in different regions, e.g. gastrointestinal problems, accidents, respiratory diseases, environmental damages, mobility and transport etc.
It is important for each country to develop their own policies to reach their full potential;”
Four points were emphasized:
        Life course approach
        Equity
        International action
        Participation of public and young people
Final motto: „The present children are the adults of the future”.

A general discussion followed, chaired by David Branski, Secretary General of UNEPSA.
Prof. Milos Banicevic presented an outline of paediatric care in Serbia and Montenegro.
Prof. Anne Ormisson discussed on adolescent care in Estonia.
Mehmet Vural, Giuseppe Saggese, Shimon Barak and Manuel Katz discussed on paediatric care in different European Countries.
As a result of the discussion a document entitled „An appeal on behalf of Children and Adolescent in Europe” was approved unanimously and it was decided to send it to all the Presidents of National Societies for using it in the framework of their relation with the respective governments in their action of promoting quality of paediatric care (the document is enclosed).