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psychoeducational and psychosocial methods based on new research in
neuroscience, psychology, developmental paediatrics and child psychiatry. These
interventions are not a luxury and should not be seen as such. They need to be
supported and funded as effective and essential interventions, and obligatory
component of health systems, on a par with the biomedical ones. Therefore,
interventions that enhance emotional health and social development from the very
start of life should be given priority and special value as investments in human
development and global health.
58. Health workers and other professionals such as social workers have a very
important role to play in supporting positive and responsive parenting. States should
ensure that there are an adequate number of general practitioners, paediatricians,
nurses and other relevant health-care professionals trained to work with children.
The Special Rapporteur is concerned that the training and practice of medical
doctors, nurses and other health professionals continues to focus predominantly on
the biomedical determinants of health. Health-care services and all relevant
professionals should be better equipped with relevant knowledge and practical skills
to respond proactively to new knowledge about the negative impact of social
determinants and early childhood adversities on the physical and mental health of
children. For example, nurses and social workers, who visit families with young
children should be trained to address issues related to the emotional and cognitive
development of children and should be able to provide parents with the knowledge
and basic skills necessary for nurturing and responsive parenting and non -violent
ways of bringing up children.
59. Moreover, health and other professionals working with children should be
trained on human rights and on early child development and the impact of the
quality of relationships on physical and mental health during childhood and
throughout life. Paediatricians, all other medical doctors and other relevant health
professionals should play a more proactive role in educating families, childcare
providers, teachers, policymakers, civic leaders and the general public about the
health-related aspects of early child development.
60. The role of the health sector is given particular attention in the present report.
However, as recognized in, among other texts, the Declaration of Alma-Ata, other
sectors are also very important for early child health and holistic development. The
right to health of young children should be promoted and protected through
sustainable and transparent implementation of the principle “health in al l policies”.
B.
Underlying determinants of the right to health
61. The right to health includes more than health care; it is also the right to the
underlying determinants of health, such as nutrition; protection against violence;
healthy and safe environments, including in the family environment and local
community; health-related information and education; safe drinking water; adequate
sanitation; and adequate housing. 39 These and other social determinants of health
have an impact on the development of the child. Indeed, the environment is a
fundamental determinant of the health and well-being of the child and of the adult.
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International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, art. 12.2; Committee on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comme nt No. 14 (2000), para. 11.
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