Healthy China Starts with Its Children
Obesity, myopia, psychological and behavioral issues, spinal curvature abnormalities, and dental caries—these five major health concerns among children and adolescents are the focus of intense societal attention.
On December 30, 2025, China's National Health Commission and 12 other ministries jointly released the "Five-Health' Promotion Action Plan for Children and Adolescents (2026-2030)."
The Action Plan sets ambitious targets for 2030, establishing clear goals to safeguard children's healthy development:
The rate of students meeting the 'Excellent' or 'Good' standards in the National Student Physical Fitness Health Standard to exceed 60%.
The myopia rate among high school students to fall below 70%.
The proportion of children aged 0–6 receiving psychological and behavioral development monitoring to reach 90%.
Universal implementation of spinal curvature abnormality screening in primary and secondary schools.
Effective intervention for dental caries in 5-year-old and 12-year-old children.
Healthier Weight
Childhood and adolescent obesity has become a significant public health threat in China, with current data showing an overweight/obesity rate of about 19% among 6–17-year-olds.
The Action Plan prescribes a combined "Exercise + Nutrition" approach:
Integrating weight management into early pregnancy care and maternal health services to reduce intergenerational transmission of obesity.
Strengthening health guidance on physical exams and growth monitoring within the 0–6-year-old child health management service.
Promoting the establishment of healthy canteens and cafeterias in primary and secondary schools.
Fostering children's and adolescents' interest in sports.
Brighter Eyes
The trend of younger age of onset and higher prevalence of myopia ("little glasses") is a key concern.
The Action Plan aims for 2030:
Progressive increase in the refraction screening rate for children aged 0–6 and school students.
Specific myopia rate targets: ~3% for 6-year-olds, <32% for primary students, <60% for junior high students, <70% for senior high students.
Key measures include:
Refraction screening at ages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 to monitor hyperopia reserve and advance prevention efforts.
Establishing and improving electronic vision health records for students with tiered interventions.
Fully implementing the "Bright Classrooms Project" to ensure all school lighting meets standards.
Sunnier Minds
Growing attention is being paid to the mental health of students, presenting new challenges.
The plan mandates:
At least one dedicated (full or part-time) mental health educator per school, with encouragement to hire professionals with psychology backgrounds.
At least one mental health lecture or related activity per academic year.
Promoting the use of psychological support hotlines (e.g., 12355).
Support systems will be strengthened:
Advancing screening and intervention services for autism spectrum disorder in children aged 0–6.
Encouraging maternal and child health institutions to establish child psychology departments, and promoting the opening of psychiatry/psychology clinics in children's hospitals, general hospitals (secondary level and above), and TCM hospitals.
Establishing robust collaboration mechanisms between schools and healthcare institutions.
Stronger Bones
Signs like an asymmetrical back, tilted pelvis, or uneven shoulders may indicate spinal curvature abnormalities.
The plan promotes physical activity:
Guiding preschoolers and students to strengthen physical exercise.
Increasing time for extracurricular sports.
Advising on the use of proper backpacks and regular adjustment of desk/chair heights.
Screening will be enhanced:
Schools to conduct annual screening and assessment for spinal curvature abnormalities for students aged 10–16.
Technical support from maternal and child health institutions, CDC, and capable primary healthcare institutions.
Spinal health status to be recorded in student health files, with prompt referral for abnormal cases.
Leveraging the strengths of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in intervention to improve outcomes.
Healthier Smiles
Dental caries ("cavities") is a common chronic childhood disease.
The Action Plan focuses on prevention starting early:
Strengthening science popularization by healthcare institutions and schools.
Assisting schools in providing annual routine oral check-ups for students.
Enhancing local measures like topical fluoride application and pit and fissure sealants for age-appropriate children to gradually reduce caries rates.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem
Though focused on five specific areas, the Action Plan underscores a holistic commitment to health. Key initiatives include:
School "Health Corners" equipped with scales, height rods, vision charts, and oral examination kits.
Home Health Toolkits including scales, salt control spoons, limited-sugar snack boxes, and brushing timers.
Community "Health Stations" offering services like weight measurement, vision screening, mental health assessments, and dental check-ups.
Promoting "Child-Friendly Hospitals" with dedicated "Care Spaces" for children.
This plan embodies a nation's systematic commitment and pragmatic action to safeguard its children's healthy growth. Through the concerted efforts of the whole society, the goal is for every child to grow up strong and thrive!
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