The Right to Health of the Child An analytical exploration of the international normative framework

Worldwide, children face significant health risks. The right to health of the child offers insight into the ways in which these risks should be mitigated. However, the concept of æthe highest attainable standard of health of the childÆ as laid down in article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child remains unclear.

Sarah Ida Spronk-Van der Meer holds an LL M in international law and a MSc in health and medical anthropology. Empowering people is a central part of both her academic and program related work to enhance health, protection and well-being of children, young people and their families. In her PhD research, Spronk focuses on the right to 'the highest attainable standard of health' of the child.Previous to her PhD research, Spronk worked for the NGO Save the Children, the International Criminal Court and a mental health institution for children and adolescents. In 2013 Spronk completed the diplomatic training of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, where she is currently employed as a policy advisor on sexual and reproductive health and rights of children and adolescents. Topics include comprehensive sexuality education, maternal and infant mortality, protection against sexual violence, female genital mutilation and child marriages. In addition, she is involved in coaching and community projects for children to integrate sports activities, health assessments and children's rights training.She is experienced in delivering lectures, workshops and trainings on children's rights, health and empowerment to a variety of audiences. She has organized conferences and voyages for children, adolescents and (young) adults in various countries.