Improving physical health and survival of children and youth in Canada

Abstract

UNICEF recently warned that many children and youth in Canada have poor physical health and are struggling to survive. The challenges of income inequality, social exclusion, and poor food quality drive this problem. Physicians can tackle these challenges and boost children’s physical health and survival by working with impacted communities and advocating for policy change. First, physicians should address income inequality by collaborating with other key groups such as social pediatric hubs, social workers, nurses, and food banks, and by advocating for universal basic income to help support families financially. Second, physicians should tackle social exclusion by identifying and remedying direct and indirect forms of discrimination against underserved populations in the healthcare setting, as well as by improving anti-racism education and policies. Finally, physicians should promote food quality by educating the public about quality food resources and collaborating with governments to hold the private sector accountable for food quality deficits.