Austria has a health care system based on solidarity. It ensures high-quality medical care for all citizens, independent of their social status or income. While a large part of the health care system's resources is still spent on health care, an increasing importance is given to health promotion and prevention of illness.

In 2010, the children’s health dialogue was started by the then Federal Minister of Health, which led to the development of the Health Strategy for Children and young people (Kinder- und Jugendgesundheitsstrategie) in 2011. The current version of the strategy covers five areas (which are subdivided into corresponding aims):

1. Societal framework
2. Healthy Start into Life
3. Healthy development
4. Equality in health
5. Care for sick children and young people in specific areas

Additionally, the 10 Austrian health targetshave been developed with the aim to prolong the healthy life years of all people living in Austria, irrespective of their level of education, income or personal living condition. The work on this aim ought to start with childhood and adolescence.