Health and safety education initiatives in Romania

In Romania, efforts to integrate health and safety education into the lives of children have moved from high-level legislative proposals to localized community initiatives.

At the national level, a proposal is undergoing parliamentary procedures to make health education a mandatory subject from kindergarten through high school. Horațiu-Remus Moldovan, president of the National Health Insurance House (CNAS), has advocated for a curriculum taught by medical professionals rather than classroom teachers to improve public awareness of immunization and disease prevention.

Complementing these systemic discussions, regional initiatives are actively engaging students in practical health and safety lessons. In Gorj, the ‘Little Saviors’ project involves police officers teaching children about preventive behaviors and traffic safety. Meanwhile, in the Poarta Albă and Nazarcea regions, educational activities have focused on personal hygiene and nutrition.

Recent efforts have expanded to include more intensive crime prevention and risk awareness programs. In Ilfov County, police and gendarmerie officers conducted sessions for hundreds of students in Otopeni and Cioroglârla, focusing on identifying risks such as bullying, cyberbullying, substance abuse, and the legal responsibilities of minors. Additionally, in Alba Iulia, the SCUT 2026 project, titled ‘Child Safety Unites Us All,’ has been implemented to promote healthy lifestyles and risk awareness through a combination of physical activity and preventive education.