The Ministry of Health, UNICEF and Harokopio University inaugurate the European Centre to Address Child Obesity

ATHENS, 10 DECEMBER 2024 – The official presentation of the European Centre to Address Child Obesity took place on Monday, 9 December 2024, at Harokopio University of Athens. This initiative is part of the broader National Action Against Childhood Obesity, implemented by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF.

The European Centre to Address Child Obesity was established to combat an increasingly complex public health issue. With an interdisciplinary team that includes experts in health and nutrition from both Greek and international academic institutions, its mission is centered on three core pillars:

• Generating and disseminating evidence-based knowledge on childhood obesity.
• Fostering the exchange of best practices and proven solutions at the European and international levels.
• Supporting children who are overweight or obese through innovative digital tools and free dietary monitoring by professional dieticians.

"In Greece, childhood obesity is a significant challenge,” said Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis. “Urgent action is needed to create an environment that promotes healthy choices, physical activity, and long-term well-being for children. The European Centre to Address Child Obesity is a pivotal step in addressing this issue, with its mission to disseminate evidence-based knowledge, share best practices, and support children through innovative tools and expert guidance."

Additionally, the Centre will provide scientific oversight for Greece’s National Action against Childhood Obesity programme, ensuring rigorous evaluation of its key interventions. Greece’s National Action against Childhood Obesity is the country’s first comprehensive programme aimed at preventing and combating childhood obesity through the promotion and adoption of healthy eating habits and physical activity. The programme includes free medical monitoring by dieticians and nutritionists, counselling services by pediatricians, educational interventions in schools and free access to sports activities.  

“This initiative reflects the power of collaboration – governments, academia, international organizations, and communities united to tackle child obesity,” said Regina De Dominicis, Director of UNICEF's Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. “Greece’s rich legacy in health and well-being makes it a fitting home for this Centre. Together, we can advance practical solutions and create a healthier future for every child.”

The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with UNICEF in the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0 with funding from the European Union - NextGenerationEU. You can find out more about the National Action at https://paxisarkiakaipaidi.gov.gr.

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The initiative is part of the National Action Against Childhood Obesity, implemented by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF