The National Healthy Childhood Programme

Approximately 68,000 babies are born in the State every year and, as children (under 18 years) account for 25% of the Irish population, we have the youngest population in the EU.

The Health Service Executive, through the delivery of The National Healthy Childhood Programme, has a key role in supporting families so these babies can fully realise their potential into adulthood.

From birth to their 14^th birthday each child will have had at least 22 contacts with the health service as part of the Programme – that is 1.5 million opportunities to “Make Every Contact Count”

Our Work

• Child health in Ireland
• Child health services in Ireland
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme
• The Nurture Programme - Infant Health and Wellbeing
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Team

Publications

Framework for the National Healthy Childhood Programme, HSE Health & Wellbeing Division and HSE Primary Care Division - 24th May 2017

The newborn clinical examination handbook, The National Healthy Childhood Programme, October 2018

Newsletters (twice-yearly)

• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 4: July 2018
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 3: December 2017
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 2: June 2017
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter – Issue 1: December 2016

Some of the child health information available on www.hse.ie

• Child Safety
• Caring for your Baby
• Breastfeeding
• Newborn Screening
• Vitamin D
• Healthy Eating
• Meningitis
• Infant and Child Growth
• The Nurture Programme - Infant Health & Wellbeing
• GP under-6 card
• Maternity and Infant scheme
• Immunisation