Kedainiai and Anyksciai districts are connected by common problems: the established public health cabinets do not meet the requirements set for them (especially those operating ir rural areas), and in both districts the health care infrastructure for children and youth is underdeveloped, so there is a need to upgrade health cabinets.
The foundations of mental health are formed in childhood, therefore the project activities are aimed at schools and pre-school education institutions – they will create conditions for the formation of a healthy person. Properly developed infrastructure will allow to develop the provisions of healthy lifestyle of preschoolers, to create a healthy and safe environment, to reduce the impact of environmental and social factors on human health in Kedainiai and Anyksciai municipalities. A sustainable social environment is being created (alcohol and cigarettes, drug use among young people will decrease, crime will decrease, communities will feel more secure, etc.). As the project will be implemented in the territory of Kedainiai municipality and Anyksciai municipality, the impact of the project and the reduction of social and economic differences in Lithuania will take place on the scale of two districts. During the project, renovated health cabinets in schools and pre-school education institutions, ant the purchased tools will contribute to the improvement of the quality of health care services in educational institutions. This will improve the health, healthy lifestyle skills of one of the most vulnerable sections of society, children and youth. Currently, the biggest inequalities are felt between the provided health care services in urban and rural areas, therefore, by providing the health care cabinets of educational institutions in the districts with all the necessary equipment and tools, the gap between rural and urban areas will be reduced. Ensuring the best start in life for pre-school and school-age children and young and young people is crucial, as the best time to contribute to reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes is in early childhood and school. Improving the quality of health care in children and adolescents and improving healthy lifestyle skills in pre-school and school age is far more beneficial than subsequent interventions.
The health of the population is extremely important for the competitiveness and economic growth of the country’s regions, therefore this project also aims to create equal conditions for improving the quality, accessibility and efficiency of health care institutions in Kedainiai and Anyksciai regions.
The main goal of the project: to improve the quality of health care services provided in equcational institutions for pre-school and school age children and youth in Kedainiai and Anyksciai district municipalities.
Health is considered not only an intrinsic value, but also an important factor in economic growth and a prerequisite for social well-being. Therefore, it is increasingly recognized as an important investment. A healthy society can create a strong economy.
Project impact:
1) Environmental protection: A safe and appropriate environment can have a significant impact on children’s health and development. Children, the most vulnerable and unprotected sections of society, suffer from polluted air, soil and water, chemicals, poor food, radiation hazards, unhealthy lifestyles and work environments, noise, transport and accidents. The project will contribute to the improvement of children’s learning environment, reduction of their morbidity caused by unfavorable environmental factors, and the protection of children’s environment. One of the key objectives for the efficient use of support is to ensure that the economic growth promoted by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism Program is in line with the principles of sustainable development. Reconciling rapid economic growth with maintaining a healthy environment is a difficult task and society tends to give the highest priority to tackling economic problems, which are usually at the expense of the quality of the environment. A healthy society means less waste of various medical wastes and less need for the production of various medicines. Thus, investing in public health goes hand in hand with investing in environmental protection measures and reducing the negative use of energy and natural resources and the environmental impact of economic activities. Resolving accumulated environmental problems is much more expensive then applying preventive measures in various areas. In order to ensure a better quality of the environment and sustainable development, the aim will be to develop an environmentally responsible attitude towards children and youth, to make them aware of the importance and purpose of environmental protection, and to make children aware of the importance of nurturing an environment for everyone.
2) Economic growth: improving the health of pre-school and school-age children, reducing the tax burden on children’s treatment, increasing the volume of motivated and educated , working youth, and taxes on the budget. The healthier the society, the lower the tax burden for the treatment of temporary illnesses in children, the more able-bodied people, ant thus the economy grows. The project will focus more on prevention, promotion of healthy lifestyles and early detection of diseases. Successful implementation of health programs is likely to save money on crime investigation, medical waste disposal, and drug production.
3) Social area: all children attending educational institutions will be provided with access to quality health care services that will contribute to the reduction of social exclusion. The project will aim at social well-being – meeting the health care needs of the population (children, youth), ensuring security, reducing crime, and the spread of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs among children and youth.