Country report 2023: well-child care in Japan

Overview

This report comprehensively reviews Japan’s well-child care (‎WCC)‎ from a systems perspective, examining policies, strategies, and programmes that have driven significant improvements in child health. It focuses on six key areas including early childhood development, injury prevention, environmental exposures, and disability support. By analyzing legislative frameworks such as the Maternal and Child Health Act and Child Welfare Act, and recent initiatives like the Basic Act on Children, the report highlights how Japan’s integrated health and social services have adapted to evolving challenges. The findings offer lessons for countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region to enhance WCC services and promote healthier child development.