China launches action plan on children's health

China launched a five-year action plan on Tuesday to promote the overall health of children and adolescents. The plan aims to address the five key issues of obesity, myopia, mental health disorders, spinal curvature irregularities and tooth decay. The document was jointly issued by the National Health Commission along with 12 other government departments.

China has set out its aim to effectively curb obesity among children and teenagers by 2030 and raise the proportion of primary and secondary school students who meet physical fitness standards to at least 60 percent.

Efforts will also focus on reducing the myopia rate among the young population and enhancing comprehensive mental health services, including ensuring all schools are staffed with mental health educators.

Schools and parents will be offered guidance to help children engage in physical exercise, reduce academic burdens and maintain good posture. Spinal curvature screenings will be implemented across all schools to promote bone health.

The action plan emphasizes cultivating good dental care habits among the young. Maternal and childcare institutions are tasked with providing oral healthcare for children under six and conducting annual oral health checkups for students, aiming to address dental caries effectively.