The aim of the Master’s Programme “Developmental and Adolescent Health Strategies” is to provide advanced postgraduate education to healthcare professionals and other specialists working with children and adolescents, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to their needs.

The Programme is of particular significance because its curriculum covers key developmental milestones from early childhood through adulthood, as well as expected behaviors, their variations, and potential deviations (Developmental and Behavioral Health). Students are exposed to conditions that are often overlooked or remain undiagnosed due to their diversity and atypical presentations, as well as the limited training and awareness of professionals. The role of the environment—family, daycare, school, and peers—in shaping a child’s and adolescent’s personality, the emergence of symptoms, and the management of difficulties is also addressed. The objective is to foster a comprehensive understanding of approaches to working with children and adolescents, as well as patients in general, as psychophysiological wholes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the care of children, adolescents, and young people as a priority, recognizing these age groups as critical for reducing the burden of adult morbidity in the future. In Greece, the Adolescent Health Unit (AHU), 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, “A. & P. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, is a pioneering centre that, in collaboration with WHO, serves the needs of pre-adolescents and adolescents from across the country, providing specialized, holistic assessment and management of issues encountered during these critical developmental stages. In April 2018, WHO recognized the AHU as a Good Practice Service, based on international standards for the operation of services addressing pre-adolescents and adolescents.

Nationally, the demand for such services is substantial, and a clear gap exists in adequately staffed and evidence-based interdisciplinary structures addressing child and adolescent development. Furthermore, facilities providing care require healthcare professionals specialized in relevant fields, including physicians, nurses, health visitors, mental health specialists, social workers, occupational therapists, special educators, and others.