European Pediatricians: Speaking with One Voice to Advocate for Children and Their Health.

Despite frequent public statements regarding the importance of adequately supporting child healthcare, in reality pediatric care in Europe is traditionally not sufficiently prioritized by national authorities involved in the key decisional processes related to children's health. Consequently, the responsibility for children's primary care is frequently transferred to health care professionals other than pediatricians who have received limited pediatric training.1 Key decisions regarding this important aspect of child health are based on changing political visions and policies of single nations and frequently are impacted by economic contingencies. This is despite the evidence that primary pediatric care provided by pediatricians achieves important public health goals, such as less hospitalization of children, higher vaccination rates, and reduced prescription of antibiotics. The EPA/UNEPSA, ECPCP, and the European Academy of Pediatrics, currently the 3 main European pediatric organizations, are characterized by several common features, objectives, and ambitions. However, their ability to effectively interact with national and international public health authorities and legislators has been traditionally limited by their inability to speak with 1 voice to advocate for children and their health. The agreement between the EPA/UNEPSA and ECPCP will pave the way for achieving a unification of all European pediatric forces actively engaged in protecting children's health and promoting their well-being