Breaking the childhood obesity vicious cycle: Commission launches EU Health Award for cities, NGOs and schools

On 1 April 2019, the European Commission launches the 2019 EU Health Award for cities, NGOs and schools. This year, we aim to reward initiatives seeking to prevent and reduce obesity in children and young people (6-18 years).

In 2015, around 1 in 3 children in the EU aged 6-9 years old was overweight. Especially alarming is the fact that physical activity tends to drop between the ages 11 to 15 in most European countries. The role of cities, NGOs and schools is crucial in the effort to prevent and reduce obesity in children and young people. “We wish our children happiness, health and success. As adults we are responsible for making choices that prevent overweight and obesity in our kids. They deserve our strong commitment and action.

Let’s break the childhood obesity vicious cycle, together and now.” Vytenis Andriukaitis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Interested parties are invited to check the eligibility criteria and present details of their initiative by 13 May 2019 at 11.00 (morning) CET, Brussels time, using the online form. Initiatives could include, for example, actions creating awareness raising campaigns, preventing overweight with the support of mobile health (mHealth), engaging with health care professionals through training, among others.

Here you can find the information about prizes.