Supporting Healthy Childhoods in the Mediterranean

Marking a decade of Planetary Health, this series features stories from our member organizations to reflect the movement’s growth, impact, and vision for a healthier future for people and planet. 

The Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), an early member of the Planetary Health Alliance, investigates how Earth system changes, such as pollution, climate change, and land use, impact community health in the Eastern Mediterranean. In 2022, the Institute launched the CHILDREN_FIRST Longitudinal Health and Environment Observatory, which is the first study focused specifically on the Mediterranean, tracking how environmental factors shape the health trajectories of primary school children. Using long-term observational studies in school settings, the program works to predict and prevent the development of chronic diseases, including respiratory, neurodevelopmental, and cardiometabolic conditions.

Beyond research, CHILDREN_FIRST has provided personalized health reports and practical recommendations to more than 370 families, helping them make more informed decisions for their growth and development. Under the WHO/UNICEF Health Promoting Schools framework, CII is collaborating with policymakers, educators, and researchers to scale this model across Europe. The Institute also offers a Planetary Health undergraduate course at the Cyprus University of Technology every Spring semester and fosters regional collaborations with universities in Greece, Italy, Spain, Albania, and other countries. These efforts help CII advance Planetary Health from research to the household level, improving community resilience and wellbeing across the Mediterranean.

Check out their video below to learn more about the Children First project.