In a historic first, Member States at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) convened to address corporal punishment against children as a public health issue an event co-hosted today by Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale and Costa Rica’s Health Minister Ms. Marcela Coen Murago.
The high-level side event, titled “Ending Corporal Punishment Against Children”, marked a significant milestone in global health diplomacy, as it was the first time in the Assembly’s 78-year history that corporal punishment was spotlighted as a matter of global health concern.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 3 billion children worldwide are affected by corporal punishment, which is increasingly recognized as a serious threat to children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
“Corporal punishment is not only a violation of children’s rights but a pressing public health concern,” said CS Duale, urging global leaders to commit to protecting children through legislative and societal reforms. “Kenya is proud to be among the 68 countries that have enacted laws banning corporal punishment, and we now call on the rest of the world to join this noble cause.”
Studies show that corporal punishment is linked to a range of harmful outcomes, including increased aggression, mental health challenges, and developmental delays. WHO has identified it as a key social determinant of health that demands urgent global action.
The event drew the participation of key international figures, including Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong, Health Minister of Thailand; Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health at WHO; Ms. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Finland’s Minister of Social Security; Mr. Michel Anglade, Director and UN Representative at Save the Children; and Dr. Patrick Amoth, Kenya’s Director General for Health.
The session called for collective political will and sustained advocacy to eliminate corporal punishment in all settings, including homes, schools, and childcare institutions, aligning with global commitments to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.
As WHA78 continues, this landmark event is expected to catalyze further international dialogue and action toward ending violence against children worldwide.
