Diversity of child health care in Europe

The health of a nation depends on the health of its children, and it is now evident that child health underpins health in adolescents, later life and also in subsequent generations for a variety of reasons including environmental, metabolic and epigenetic changes. There are many challenges in child health in Europe and globally Inequalities in health status and health outcomes of children and adolescents within Europe are of great concern to pediatric societies and all those working in child health. Diversity, or noticeable heterogeneity, for many years has generated controversy on whether it is a resource for success or a barrier to improvement. Many feel uncomfortable with the term diversity and some academics and businesses have replaced it with ‘inclusion’ and ‘equity’. Diversity is difficult to interpret in many European contexts, including science and particularly in the care of children, due to differing historical, cultural, social and economic influences. This may lead to misunderstandings, detrimental conflicts, resentment and resistance, so that its benefits are not always realized. The article deals with the concept of diversity and inclusion suggesting that it should be perceived as a valuable resource to help provide optimum healthcare for European children living in different social, cultural and economic environments.